Automated shade control system

ABSTRACT

Automated shade systems comprise motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, ASHRAE clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 13/343,912 filed onJan. 5, 2012, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0126737entitled “Automated Shade Control System”. U.S. Ser. No. 13/343,912 is acontinuation of U.S. Ser. No. 12/475,312 filed on May 29, 2009, now U.S.Pat. No. 8,120,292 entitled “Automated Shade Control ReflectanceModule”. U.S. Ser. No. 12/475,312 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser.No. 12/421,410 filed on Apr. 9, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,125,172entitled “Automated Shade Control Method and System”. U.S. Ser. No.12/421,410 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 12/197,863 filedon Aug. 25, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,977,904 entitled “Automated ShadeControl Method and System.” U.S. Ser. No. 12/197,863 is acontinuation-in part of U.S. Ser. No. 11/162,377 filed on Sep. 8, 2005,now U.S. Pat. No. 7,417,397 entitled “Automated Shade Control Method andSystem.” U.S. Ser. No. 11/162,377 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser.No. 10/906,817 filed on Mar. 8, 2005, and entitled “Automated ShadeControl Method and System.” U.S. Ser. No. 10/906,817 is anon-provisional of U.S. Provisional No. 60/521,497 filed on May 6, 2004,and entitled “Automated Shade Control Method and System.” The entirecontents of all of the foregoing applications are hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention generally relates to automatic shade control, and morespecifically, to automated shade systems that employ a reflectancemodule.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of automated systems currently exist for controlling blinds,drapery, and other types of window coverings. These systems often employphoto sensors to detect the visible light (daylight) entering through awindow. The photo sensors may be connected to a computer and/or a motorthat automatically opens or closes the window covering based upon thephoto sensor and/or temperature read-out.

While photo sensors and temperature sensors may be helpful indetermining the ideal shading for a window or interior, these sensorsmay not be entirely effective. As such, some shade control systemsemploy other criteria or factors to help define the shading parameters.For example, some systems employ detectors for detecting the angle ofincidence of sunlight. Other systems use rain sensors, artificiallighting controls, geographic location information, date and timeinformation, window orientation information, and exterior and interiorphoto sensors to quantify and qualify an optimum position for a windowcovering. However, no single system currently employs all of these typesof systems and controls.

Moreover, most automated systems are designed for, and limited for usewith, Venetian blinds, curtains and other traditional window coverings.Further, prior art systems generally do not utilize information relatedto the variation of light level within the interior of a structure. Thatis, most systems consider the effects of relatively uniform shadingand/or brightness and veiling glare, rather than graduated shadingand/or brightness and veiling glare. Therefore, there is a need for anautomated shade control system that contemplates graduated shading andoptimum light detection and adaptation.

It has been determined that the most efficient energy design forbuildings is to be able to take advantage of natural daylight whichallows for the reduction in artificial lighting which in turn reducesthe Air Conditioning load, which reduces the energy consumption of abuilding. To achieve these goals, the glazing has to allow a highpercentage of daylight to penetrate the glazing, by using clear or highvisible light transmitting glazing. But with the high amount of visiblelight there is also the bright orb of the sun, excessive heat gain, anddebilitating solar rays which will at different times of the year and ondifferent solar orientations penetrate deeply into the building,effecting and impacting the persons working or living therein. Thus, aneed exists to manage and control the amount of solar load, solarpenetration, and temperatures of the window wall. In addition, there isa need to control the amount of solar radiation and brightness toacceptable norms that protect the comfort and health of the occupants,e.g. an energy conserving integrated sub-system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Systems and methods for automated shade control using a reflectancemodule are disclosed. In an embodiment, a reflective object or surfaceis modeled by the computer to create a reflectance model in the computermemory. The reflectance model is queried a first time to calculate thepresence of calculated reflected light at a location of interest. Awindow covering is moved responsive to the calculated reflected light atthe location of interest. The system that moves the window coveringcomprises a motor, and a window covering associated with a window,wherein the motor is configured to actuate the window covering. A motorcontroller is configured to control the motor using reflectanceinformation.

In another embodiment, a computer-readable medium has stored thereon,computer-executable instructions that, if executed by a system, causethe system to perform a method. The method comprises modeling areflective surface or object to create a reflectance model, querying thereflectance model to calculate the presence of calculated reflectedlight at a location of interest, and adjusting a window coveringresponsive to the calculated reflected light at the location ofinterest.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals depict like elements,illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and togetherwith the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary automated shadecontrol system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2A shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary window systemwith a window covering retracted in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 2B shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary window systemwith a window covering extended in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method for automatedshade control in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary ASHRAE model in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 shows a screen shot of an exemplary user interface (e.g. view ofSolarTrac software) in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of exemplary solar heat gain and solarpenetration sensing and reaction in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of exemplary brightness sensing andreaction in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of exemplary shadow modeling and reactionin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of exemplary reflectance modeling andreaction in accordance with the present invention; and

FIGS. 10A-10E illustrate reflectance modeling in accordance with thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the inventionherein shows the exemplary embodiment by way of illustration and itsbest mode. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficientdetail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, itshould be understood that other embodiments may be realized and thatlogical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the detailed description hereinis presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation.For example, the steps recited in any of the method or processdescriptions may be executed in any order and are not limited to theorder presented.

Moreover, for the sake of brevity, certain sub-components of theindividual operating components, conventional data networking,application development and other functional aspects of the systems maynot be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting linesshown in the various figures contained herein are intended to representexemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between thevarious elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additionalfunctional relationships or physical connections may be present in apractical system.

The present invention may be described herein in terms of blockdiagrams, screen shots and flowcharts, optional selections and variousprocessing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any numberof hardware and/or software components configured to perform tospecified functions. For example, the present invention may employvarious integrated circuit components (e.g., memory elements, processingelements, logic elements, look-up tables, and the like), which may carryout a variety of functions under the control of one or moremicroprocessors or other control devices. Similarly, the softwareelements of the present invention may be implemented with anyprogramming or scripting language such as C, (C++, Java, COBOL,assembler, PERL, Delphi, extensible markup language (XML), smart cardtechnologies with the various algorithms being implemented with anycombination of data structures, objects, processes, routines or otherprogramming elements. Further, it should be noted that the presentinvention may employ any number of conventional techniques for datatransmission, signaling, data processing, network control, and the like,Still further, the invention could be used to detect or prevent securityissues with a client-side scripting language, such as JavaScript,VBScript or the like. For a basic introduction of cryptography andnetwork security, see any of the following references: (1) “AppliedCryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and Source Code In C,” by BruceSchneier, published by John Wiley & Sons (second edition, 1996); (2)“Java Cryptography” by Jonathan Knudson, published by O'Reilly &Associates (1998); (3) “Cryptography and Network Security Principles andPractice” by William Stallings, published by Prentice Hall; all of whichare hereby incorporated by reference.

As used herein, the term “network” shall include any electroniccommunications means which incorporates both hardware and softwarecomponents of such. Communication among the parties in accordance withthe present invention may be accomplished through any suitablecommunication channels, such as, for example, a telephone network, anextranet, an intranet, Intet, Internet, point-of-interaction device(point-of-sale device, personal digital assistant, cellular phone,kiosk, etc.), online communications, off-line communications, wirelesscommunications, transponder communications, local area network (LAN),wide area network (WAN), networked or linked devices and/or the like.Moreover, although the invention is frequently described herein as beingimplemented with TCP/IP communication protocols, the invention may alsobe implemented using IPX, Appletalk, IP-6, NetBIOS, OSI, Lonworks or anynumber of existing or future protocols. If the network is in the natureof a public network, such as the Internet, it may be advantageous topresume the network to be insecure and open to eavesdroppers. Specificinformation related to the protocols, standards, and applicationsoftware utilized in connection with the Internet is generally known tothose skilled in the art and, as such, need not be detailed herein. See,for example, Dilip Naik, “Internet Standards and Protocols,” (1998);“Java 2 Complete,” various authors, (Sybex 1999); Deborah Ray and EricRay, “Mastering HTML 4.0,” (1997); Loshin, “TCP/IP Clearly Explained,”(1997); and David Gourley and Brian Totty, “HTTP, The Definitive Guide,”(2002), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The various system components may be independently, separately orcollectively suitably coupled to the network via data links whichinclude, for example, a connection to an Internet Service Provider (ISP)over the local loop as is typically used in connection with a standardmodem communication, cable modem, Dish network, ISDN, Digital SubscriberLine (DSL), or various wireless communication methods, see, e.g.,Gilbert Held, “Understanding Data Communications,” (1996), which ishereby incorporated by reference. It is noted that the network may beimplemented as other types of networks, such as an interactivetelevision (ITV) network. Moreover, the system contemplates the use,sale or distribution of any goods, services or information over anynetwork having similar functionality described herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary automated shade control (ASC) system 100in accordance with the present invention. ASC 100 may comprise an analogand digital interface (ADI) 105 configured for communicating withcentralized control system (CCS) 110, motors 130, and sensors 125. ADI105 may communicate with CCS 110, motors 130, sensors 125 and/or anyother components through communication links 120. For example, in oneembodiment, ADI 105 and CCS 110 are configured to communicate directlywith motors 130 to minimize lag time between computing commands andmotor movement.

ADI 105 may be configured to facilitate transmitting shade positioncommands and/or other commands. ADI 105 may also be configured tointerface between CCS 110 and motors 130. ADI 105 may be configured tofacilitate user access to motors 130. By facilitating user access, ADI105 may be configured to facilitate communication between a user andmotors 130. For example, ADI 105 may allow a user to access some or allof the functions of motors 130 for any number of zones. ADI 105 may usecommunication links 120 for communication, user input, and/or any othercommunication mechanism for providing user access.

ADI 105 may be configured as hardware and/or software. While FIG. 1depicts a single ADI 105, ASC 100 may comprise multiple ADIs 105. In oneembodiment, ADI 105 may be configured to allow a user to control motors130 for multiple window coverings. As used herein, a zone refers to anyarea of a structure wherein ASC 100 is configured to control theshading. For example, an office building may be divided into eightzones, each zone corresponding to a different floor. Each zone, in turnmay have 50 different glazings, windows and/or window coverings. Thus,ADI 105 may facilitate controlling each motor in each zone, some or allwindow coverings for some or all floors (or portion thereof), and/ormultiple ADIs 105 (i.e., two, four, eight, or any other suitable numberof different ADs 105) may be coupled together to collectively controlsome or all window coverings, wherein each ADI 105 controls the motors130 for each floor. Moreover, ASC 100 may log, record, classify,quantify, and otherwise measure and/or store information related to oneor more window coverings. Additionally, each ADI 105 may be addressable,such as via an internet protocol (IP) address, a MAC address, and/or thelike.

ADI 105 may also be configured with one or more safety mechanisms. Forexample, ADI 105 may comprise one or more override buttons to facilitatemanual operation of one or more motors 130 and/or ADIs 105. ADI 105 mayalso be configured with a security mechanism that requires entry of apassword, code, biometric, or other identifier/indicia suitablyconfigured to allow the user to interact or communicate with the system,such as, for example, authorization/access code, personal identificationnumber (PIN), Internet code, bar code, transponder, digital certificate,biometric data, and/or other identification indicia.

CCS 110 may be used to facilitate communication with and/or control ofADI 105. CCS 110 may be configured to facilitate computing of one ormore algorithms to determine, for example, solar radiation levels, skytype (such as clear, overcast, bright overcast, and/or the like),interior lighting information, exterior lighting information,temperature information, glare information, shadow information,reflectance information, and the like. CCS 110 algorithms may includeproactive and reactive algorithms configured to provide appropriatesolar protection from direct solar penetration; reduce solar heat gain;reduce radiant surface temperatures and/or veiling glare; controlpenetration of the solar ray, optimize the interior natural daylightingof a structure and/or optimize the efficiency of interior lightingsystems. CCS 110 algorithms may operate in real-time. CCS 110 may beconfigured with a RS-485 communication board to facilitate receiving andtransmitting data from ADI 105 CCS 110 may be configured toautomatically self-test, synchronize and/or start the various othercomponents of ASC 100. CCS 110 may be configured to run one or more userinterfaces to facilitate user interaction. An example of a userinterface used in conjunction with CCS 110 is described in greaterdetail below.

CCS 110 may be configured as any type of computing device, personalcomputer, network computer, work station, minicomputer, mainframe, orthe like running any operating system such as any version of Windows,Windows NT, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows 95, MacOS,OS/2, BeOS, Linux, UNIX, Solaris, MVS, DOS or the like. The various CCS110 components or any other components discussed herein may include oneor more of the following: a host server or other computing systemincluding a processor for processing digital data; a memory coupled tothe processor for storing digital data; an input digitizer coupled tothe processor for inputting digital data; an application program storedin the memory and accessible by the processor for directing processingof digital data by the processor; a display device coupled to theprocessor and memory for displaying information derived from digitaldata processed by the processor; and a plurality of databases. The usermay interact with the system via any input device such as a keypad,keyboard, mouse, kiosk, personal digital assistant, handheld computer(e.g., Palm Pilot®, Blackberry®), cellular phone and/or the like.

CCS 110 may also be configured with one or more browsers, remoteswitches and/or touch screens to further facilitate access and controlof ASC 100. For example, each touch screen communicating with CCS 110can be configured to facilitate control of a section of a building'sfloor plan, with motor zones and shade zones indicated (describedfurther herein). A user may use the touch screen to select a motor zoneand/or shade zone to provide control and/or obtain control and/or alertinformation about the shade position of that particular zone, currentsky condition information, sky charts, global parameter information(such as, for example, local time and/or date information, sunriseand/or sunset information, solar altitude or azimuth information, and/orany other similar information noted herein), floor plan information(including sensor status and location) and the like. The touch screenmay also be used to provide control and/or information about thebrightness level of a local sensor, to provide override capabilities ofthe shade position to move a shade to a more desired location, and/or toprovide access to additional shade control data that is captured foreach particular zone. The browser, touch screen and/or switches may alsobe configured to log user-directed movement of the shades, manualover-rides of the shades, and other occupant-specific adaptations to ASC100 and/or each shade and/or motor zone. As another example, thebrowser, touch screen and/or switches may also be configured to provideremote users access to particular data and shade functions dependingupon each remote user's access level. For example, the access levelsmay, for example, be configured to permit only certain individuals,levels of employees, companies, or other entities to access ASC 100, orto permit access to specific ASC 100 control parameters. Furthermore,the access controls may restrict/permit only certain actions such asopening, closing, and/or adjusting shades. Restrictions on radiometercontrols, algorithms, and the like may also be included.

CCS 110 may also be configured to be responsive to one or more alarms,warnings, error messages, and/or the like. For example, CCS 110 may beconfigured to move one or more window coverings responsive to a firealarm signal, a smoke alarm signal, or other signal, such as a signalreceived from a building management system. Moreover, CCS 100 mayfurther be configured to generate one or more alarms, warnings, errormessages, and/or the like. CCS 110 may transmit or otherwise communicatean alarm to a third party system, for example a building managementsystem, as appropriate.

CCS 110 may also be configured with one or more motor controllers. Themotor controller may be equipped with one or more algorithms whichenable it to position the window covering based on automated and/ormanual control from the user through one or a variety of different userinterfaces which communicate to the controller. CCS 110 may providecontrol of the motor controller via hardwired low voltage dry contact,hardwired analog, hardwired line voltage, voice, wireless IR, wirelessRF or any one of a number of low voltage, wireless and/or line voltagenetworking protocols such that a multiplicity of devices including, forexample, switches, touch screens, PCs, Internet Appliances, infraredremotes, radio frequency remotes, voice commands, PDAs, cell phones,PIMs, etc. are capable of being employed by a user to automaticallyand/or manually override the position of the window covering. CCS 110and/or the motor controller may additionally be configured with a realtime clock to facilitate real time synchronization and control ofenvironmental and manual override information.

CCS 110 and/or the motor controller is also equipped with algorithmswhich enable it to optimally position the window covering for function,energy efficiency, light pollution control (depending on the environmentand neighbors), cosmetic and/or comfort automatically based oninformation originating from a variety of sensing device options whichcan be configured to communicate with the controller via any of thecommunication protocols and/or devices described herein. The automationalgorithms within the motor controller and/or CCS 110 may be equipped toapply both proactive and reactive routines to facilitate control ofmotors 130. Proactive and reactive control algorithms are described ingreater detail herein.

CCS 110 algorithms may use occupant-initiated override log data to learnwhat each local zone occupant prefers for his optimal shading. This datatracking may then be used to automatically readjust zone-specific CCS110 algorithms to adjust one or more sensors 125, motors 130 and/orother ASC 100 system components to the needs, preferences, and/ordesires of the occupants at a local level. That is, ASC 100 may beconfigured to actively track each occupant's adjustments for eachoccupied zone and actively modify CCS 110 algorithms to automaticallyadapt to each adjustment for that particular occupied zone. CCS 110algorithms may include a touch screen survey function. For example, thisfunction may allow a user to select from a menu of reasons prior tooverriding a shade position from the touch screen. This data may besaved in a database associated with CCS 110 and used to fine tune ASC100 parameters in order to minimize the need for such overrides. Thus,CCS 110 can actively learn how a building's occupants use the shades,and adjust to these shade uses. In this manner, CCS 110 may fine-tune,refine, and/or otherwise modify one or more proactive and/or reactivealgorithms responsive to historical data.

For example, proactive and reactive control algorithms may be used basedon CCS 110 knowledge of how a building's occupants use window coverings.CCS 110 may be configured with one or more proactive/reactive controlalgorithms that proactively input information to/from the motorcontroller facilitate adaptability of ASC 100. Proactive controlalgorithms include information such as, for example, the continuouslyvarying solar angles established between the sun and the window openingover each day of the solar day. This solar tracking information may becombined with knowledge about the structure of the building and windowopening, as well. This structural knowledge includes, for example, anyshadowing features of the building (such as, for example, buildings inthe cityscape and topographical conditions that may shadow the sun's rayon the window opening at various times throughout the day/year). Furtherstill, any inclination or declination angles of the window opening(i.e., window, sloped window, and/or skylight), any scheduledpositioning of the window covering throughout the day/year, informationabout the British thermal unit (BTU) load impacting the window atanytime throughout the day/year; the glass characteristics which affecttransmission of light and heat through the glass, and/or any otherhistorical knowledge about performance of the window covering in thatposition from previous days/years may be included in the proactivecontrol algorithms. Proactive algorithms can be setup to optimize thepositioning of the window covering based on a typical day, worst casebright day or worst case dark day depending on the capabilities andinformation made available to the reactive control algorithms. Thesealgorithms further can incorporate at least one of the geodesiccoordinates of a building; the actual and/or calculated solar position;the actual and/or calculated solar angle; the actual and/or calculatedsolar penetration angle; the actual and/or calculated solar penetrationdepth through the window, the actual and/or calculated solar radiation;the actual and/or calculated solar intensity; the time; the solaraltitude; the solar azimuth; sunrise and sunset times; the surfaceorientation of a window; the slope of a window; the window coveringstopping positions for a window; and the actual and/or calculated solarheat gain through the window.

Additionally, proactive and/or reactive control algorithms may be usedbased on measured and/or calculated brightness. For example, CCS 110 maybe configured with one or more proactive and/or reactive controlalgorithms configured to measure and/or calculate the visible brightnesson a window. Moreover, the proactive and/or reactive control algorithmsmay curve fit (e.g. regression analysis) measured radiation and/or solarheat gain in order to generate estimated and/or measured foot-candles onthe glazing, foot-candles inside the glass, foot-candles inside theshade and class combination, and the like. Additionally, the proactiveand/or reactive control algorithms may utilize lighting information,radiation information, brightness information, reflectance information,solar heat gain, and/or any other appropriate factors to measure and/orcalculate a total foot-candle load on a structure.

Further, proactive and/or reactive control algorithms may be used basedon measured and/or calculated BTU loads on a window, glass, windowcovering, and/or the like. CCS 110 may be configured with one or moreproactive and/or reactive control algorithms configured to measureand/or calculate the BTU load on a window. Moreover, the proactiveand/or reactive control algorithms may take any appropriate actionresponsive to a measured and/or calculated BTU load, including, forexample, generating a movement request to one or more ADIs 105 and/ormotors 130. For example, CCS 110 may generate a movement request to movea window covering into a first position in response to a measured loadof 75 BTUs inside a window. CCS 110 may generate another movementrequest to move a window covering into a second position in response toa measured load of 125 BTUs inside a window. CCS 110 may generate yetanother movement request to move a window covering into a third positionresponsive to a measured load of 250 BTUs inside a window, and so on.Additionally, CCS 110 may calculate the position of a window coveringbased on a measured and/or calculated BTU load on a window. Informationregarding measured and/or calculated BTU loads, shade positions, and thelike may be viewed on any suitable display device

In various embodiments, CCS 110 may be configured with predefined BTUloads associated with positions of a window covering. For example, a“fully open” position of a window covering may be associated with a BTUload of 500 BTUs per square meter per hour. A “halfway open” positionmay be associated with a BTU load of 300 BTUs per square meter per hour.A “fully closed” position may be associated with a BTU load of 100 BTUsper square meter per hour. Any number of predefined BTU loads and/orwindow covering positions may be utilized. In this manner, CCS 110 maybe configured to move one or more window coverings into variouspredefined positions in order to modify the intensity of the solarpenetration and resulting BTU load on a structure.

Reactive control algorithms may be established to refine the proactivealgorithms and/or to compensate for areas of the building which may bedifficult and/or unduly expensive to model. Reactive control of ASC 100may include, for example, using sensors coupled with algorithms whichdetermine the sky conditions, brightness of the external horizontal sky,brightness of the external vertical sky in any/all orientation(s),internal vertical brightness across the whole or a portion of a window,internal vertical brightness measured across the whole or a portion of awindow covered by the window covering, internal horizontal brightness ofan internal task surface, brightness of a vertical or horizontalinternal surface such as the wall, floor or ceiling, comparativebrightness between differing internal horizontal and/or verticalsurfaces, internal brightness of a PC display monitor, externaltemperature, internal temperature, manual positioning by theuser/occupant near or affected by the window covering setting, overridesof automated window covering position from previous years and/or realtime information communicated from other motor controllers affectingadjacent window coverings.

Typical sensors 125 facilitating these reactive control algorithmsinclude radiometers, photometers/photosensors, motion sensors, windsensors, and/or temperature sensors to detect, measure, and communicateinformation regarding temperature, motion, wind, brightness, radiation,and/or the like, or any combination of the foregoing. For example,motion sensors may be employed in order to track one or more occupantsand change reactive control algorithms in certain spaces, such asconference rooms, during periods where people are not present in orderto optimize energy efficiency. The invention contemplates various typesof sensor mounts. For example, types of photosensor and temperaturesensor mounts include handrail mounts (between the shade and windowglass), furniture mounts (e.g., on the room side of the shade), wall orcolumn mounts that look directly out the window from the room side ofthe shade, and external sensor mounts. For example, for brightnessoverride protection, one or more photosensors and/or radiometers may beconfigured to look through a specific portion of a window wall (e.g.,the part of the window wall whose view gets covered by the windowcovering at some point during the movement of the window covering). Ifthe brightness on the window wall portion is greater than apre-determined ratio, the brightness override protection may beactivated. The pre-determined ratio may be established from thebrightness of the PC/VDU or actual measured brightness of a tasksurface. Each photosensor may be controlled, for example, by closedand/or open loop algorithms that include measurements from one or morefields-of-view of the sensors. For example, each photosensor may look ata different part of the window wall and/or window covering. Theinformation from these photosensors may be used to anticipate changes inbrightness as the window covering travels across a window, indirectlymeasure the brightness coining through a portion of the window wall bylooking at the brightness reflecting off an interior surface, measurebrightness detected on the incident side of the window covering and/orto measure the brightness detected for any other field of view. Thebrightness control algorithms and/or other algorithms may also beconfigured to take into account whether any of the sensors areobstructed (for example, by a computer monitor, etc.). ASC 100 may alsoemploy other sensors; for example, one or more motion sensors may beconfigured to employ stricter comfort control routines when the buildingspaces are occupied. That is, if a room's motion sensors detect a largenumber of people inside a room, ASC 100 may facilitate movement of thewindow coverings to provide greater shading and cooling of the room.

Moreover, ASC 100 may be configured to track radiation (e.g. solar raysand the like) on all glazing of a building including, for example,windows, skylights, and the like. For example, ASC 100 may track theangle of incidence of radiation; profile solar radiation and solarsurface angles; measure the wavelength of radiation; track solarpenetration based on the geometry of a window, skylight, or otheropening; track solar heat gain and intensity for some or all windows ina building; track shadow information; track reflectance information; andtrack radiation for some or all orientations, i.e., 360 degrees around abuilding. ASC 100 may track radiation, log radiation information, and/orperform any other related operations or analysis in real time.Additionally, ASC 100 may utilize one or more of tracking information,sensor inputs, data logs, reactive algorithms, proactive algorithms, andthe like to perform a microclimate analysis for a particular enclosedspace.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the naturaldefault operation of the motor controller in “Automatic Mode” may begoverned by proactive control algorithms. When a reactive controlalgorithm interrupts operation of a proactive algorithm, the motorcontroller can be set up with specific conditions which determine howand when the motor controller can return to Automatic Mode. For example,this return to Automatic Mode may be based upon a configurablepredetermined time, for example 12:00 A.M. In another embodiment, ASC100 may return to Automatic Mode at a predetermined time interval (suchas an hour later), when a predetermined condition has been reached (forexample, when the brightness returns below a certain level throughcertain sensors), when the brightness detected is a configurablepercentage less than the brightness detected when the motor was placedinto brightness override, if the proactive algorithms require the windowcovering to further cover the shade, when fuzzy logic routines weigh theprobability that the motor can move back into automatic mode (based oninformation regarding actual brightness measurements internally, actualbrightness measurements externally, the profile angle of the sun, shadowconditions from adjacent buildings or structures on the given buildingbased on the solar altitude and/or azimuth, reflectance conditions fromexternal buildings or environmental conditions, and/or the like, or anycombination of the same), and/or at any other manual and/orpredetermined condition or control.

Motors 130 may be configured to control the movement of one or morewindow coverings. The window coverings are described in greater detailbelow. As used herein, motors 130 can include one or more motors andmotor controllers. Motors 130 may comprise AC and/or DC motors and maybe mounted within or in proximity with a window covering which isaffixed by a window using mechanical brackets attaching to the buildingstructure such that motors 130 enable the window covering to cover orreveal a portion of the window or glazing. As used herein, the termglazing refers to a glaze, glasswork, window, and/or the like. Motors130 may be configured as any type of motor configured to open, closeand/or move the window coverings at select, random, predetermined,increasing, decreasing, algorithmic and/or any other increments. Forexample, in one embodiment, motors 130 may be configured to move thewindow coverings in 1/16-inch increments in order to graduate the shademovements such that the operation of the shade is almost imperceptibleto the occupant to minimize distraction. In another embodiment, motors130 may be configured to move the window coverings in ⅛-inch increments.Motors 130 may also be configured to have each step and/or incrementlast a certain amount of time. Moreover, motors 130 may follow pre-setpositions on an encoded motor. The time and/or settings of theincrements may be any range of time and/or setting, for example, lessthan one second, one or more seconds, and/or multiple minutes, and/or acombination of settings programmed into the motor encoded, and/or thelike. In one embodiment, each ⅛-inch increment of motors 130 may lastfive seconds. Motors 130 may be configured to move the window coveringsat a virtually imperceptible rate to a structure's inhabitants. Forexample, ASC 100 may be configured to continually iterate motors 130down the window wall in finite increments thus establishing thousands ofintermediate stopping positions across a window pane. The increments maybe consistent in span and time or may vary in span and/or time acrossthe day and from day to day in order to optimize the comfortrequirements of the space and further minimize abrupt window coveringpositioning transitions which may draw unnecessary attention from theoccupants.

Motors 130 may vary between, for example, top-down, bottom-up, and evena dual motors 130 design known as fabric tensioning system (FTS) ormotor/spring-roller combination. A bottom-up, sloping, angled, and/orhorizontal design(s) may be configured to promote daylightingenvironments where light level through the top portion of the glass maybe reflected or even skydomed deep into the space. Bottom-up windowcoverings naturally lend their application towards East facing facadeswhere starting from sunrise the shade gradually moves up with the sun'srising altitude up to solar noon. Top-down designs may be configured topromote views whereby the penetration of the sun may be cutoff leaving aview through the lower portion of the glass. Top-down window coveringsnaturally lend their application towards the West facing facades wherestarting from solar noon the altitude of the sun drops the shade throughsunset. Moreover, angled and/or sloping shading may be used tocomplement horizontal, angular and/or sloping windows in the façade.

ADI 105 may be configured with one or more electrical componentsconfigured to receive information from sensors 125 and/or to transmitinformation to CCS 110. In one embodiment, ADI 105 may be configured toreceive millivolt signals from sensors 125. ADI 105 may additionally beconfigured to convert the signals from sensors 125 into digitalinformation and/or to transmit the digital information to CCS 110.

ASC 100 may comprise one or more sensors 125 such as, for example,radiometers, photometers, ultraviolet sensors, infrared sensors,temperature sensors, motion sensors, wind sensors, and the like, incommunication with ADI 105. In one embodiment, the more sensors 125 usedin ASC 100, the more error protection (or reduction) for the system.“Radiometers” as used herein, may include traditional radiometers aswell as other photo sensors configured to measure various segments ofthe solar spectrum, visible light spectrum photo sensors, infraredsensors, ultraviolet sensors, and the like. Sensors 125 may be locatedin any part of a structure. For example, sensors 125 may be located onthe roof of a building, outside a window, inside a window, on a worksurface, on an interior and/or exterior wall, and/or any other part of astructure. In one embodiment, sensors 125 are located in clear,unobstructed areas. Sensors 125 may be connected to ADI 105 in anymanner through communication links 120. In one embodiment, sensors 125may be connected to ADI 105 by low voltage wiring. In anotherembodiment, sensors 125 may be wirelessly connected to ADI 105.

Sensors 125 may additionally be configured to initialize and/orsynchronize upon starting ASC 100. For example, various sensors 125,such as radiometers, may be configured to be initially set to zero,which may correspond to a cloudy sky condition regardless of the actualsky condition, Various sensors 125 may then be configured to detectsunlight for a user-defined amount of time, for example three minutes,in order to facilitate building a data file for the sensors. After theuser-defined time has lapsed, sensors 125 may be synchronized with thisnew data file.

As discussed herein, communication links 120 may be configured as anytype of communication links such as, for example, digital links, analoglinks, wireless links, optical links, radio frequency links, TCP/IPlinks, Bluetooth links, wire links, and the like, and/or any combinationof the above. Communication links 120 may be long-range and/orshort-range, and accordingly may enable remote and/or off-sitecommunication. Moreover, communication links 120 may enablecommunication over any suitable distance and/or via any suitablecommunication medium. For example, in one embodiment, communication link120 may be configured as an RS422 serial communication link.

ASC 100 may additionally be configured with one or more databases. Anydatabases discussed herein may be any type of database, such asrelational, hierarchical, graphical, object-oriented, and/or otherdatabase configurations. Common database products that may be used toimplement the databases include DB2 by IBM (White Plains, N.Y. ),various database products available from Oracle Corporation (RedwoodShores, Calif.), Microsoft Access or Microsoft SQL Server by MicrosoftCorporation (Redmond, Wash.), Base3 by Base3 systems, Paradox or anyother suitable database product. Moreover, the databases may beorganized in any suitable manner, for example, as data tables or lookuptables. Each record may be a single file, a series of files, a linkedseries of data fields or any other data structure. Association ofcertain data may be accomplished through any desired data associationtechnique such as those known or practiced in the art. For example, theassociation may be accomplished either manually or automatically.Automatic association techniques may include, for example, a databasesearch, a database merge, GREP, AGREP, SQL, and/or the like. Theassociation step may be accomplished by a database merge function, forexample, using a “key field” in pre-selected databases or data sectors.

More particularly, a “key field” partitions the database according tothe high-level class of objects defined by the key field. For example,certain types of data may be designated as a key field in a plurality ofrelated data tables and the data tables may then be linked on the basisof the type of data in the key field. The data corresponding to the keyfield in each of the linked data tables is preferably the same or of thesame type. However, data tables having similar, though not identical,data in the key fields may also be linked by using AGREP, for example.In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, any suitabledata storage technique may be utilized to store data without a standardformat. Data sets may be stored using any suitable technique;implementing a domain whereby a dedicated file is selected that exposesone or more elementary files containing one or more data sets; usingdata sets stored in individual files using a hierarchical filing system;data sets stored as records in a single file (including compression, SQLaccessible, hashed via one or more keys, numeric, alphabetical by firsttuple, etc.); block of binary (BLOB); stored as ungrouped data elementsencoded using ISO/IEC Abstract Syntax Notation (ASN.1) as in ISO/IEC8824 and 8825; and/or other proprietary techniques that may includefractal compression methods, image compression methods, etc.

In one exemplary embodiment, the ability to store a wide variety ofinformation in different formats is facilitated by storing theinformation as a Block of Binary (BLOB). Thus, any binary informationcan be stored in a storage space associated with a data set. The BLOBmethod may store data sets as ungrouped data elements formatted as ablock of binary via a fixed memory offset using either fixed storageallocation, circular queue techniques, or best practices with respect tomemory management (e.g., paged memory, least recently used, etc.). Byusing BLOB methods, the ability to store various data sets that havedifferent formats facilitates the storage of data by multiple andunrelated owners of the data sets. For example, a first data set whichmay be stored may be provided by a first party, a second data set whichmay be stored may be provided by an unrelated second party, and yet athird data set which may be stored, may be provided by a third partyunrelated to the first and second party. Each of these three exemplarydata sets may contain different information that is stored usingdifferent data storage formats and/or techniques. Further, each data setmay contain subsets of data that also may be distinct from othersubsets.

As stated above, in various embodiments of the present invention, thedata can be stored without regard to a common format. However, in oneexemplary embodiment of the present invention, the data set (e.g., BLOB)may be annotated in a standard manner when provided. The annotation maycomprise a short header, trailer, or other appropriate indicator relatedto each data set that is configured to convey information useful inmanaging the various data sets. For example, the annotation may becalled a “condition header,” “header,” “trailer,” or “status,” herein,and may comprise an indication of the status of the data set or mayinclude an identifier correlated to a specific issuer or owner of thedata. In one example, the first three bytes of each data set BLOB may beconfigured or configurable to indicate the status of that particulardata set (e.g., LOADED, INITIALIZED, READY, BLOCKED, REMOVABLE, orDELETED).

The data set annotation may also be used for other types of statusinformation as well as various other purposes. For example, the data setannotation may include security information establishing access levels.The access levels may, for example, be configured to permit only certainindividuals, levels of employees, companies, or other entities to accessdata sets, or to permit access to specific data sets based oninstallation, initialization, user or the like. Furthermore, thesecurity information may restrict/permit only certain actions such asaccessing, modifying, and/or deleting data sets. In one example, thedata set annotation indicates that only the data set owner or the userare permitted to delete a data set, various identified employees arepermitted to access the data set for reading, and others are altogetherexcluded from accessing the data set. However, other access restrictionparameters may also be used allowing various other employees to access adata set with various permission levels as appropriate.

One skilled in the art will also appreciate that, for security reasons,any databases, systems, devices, servers or other components of thepresent invention may consist of any combination thereof at a singlelocation or at multiple locations, wherein each database or systemincludes any of various suitable security features, such as firewalls,access codes, encryption, decryption, compression, decompression, and/orthe like.

The computers discussed herein may provide a suitable website or otherInternet-based graphical user interface which is accessible by users. Inone embodiment, the Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS),Microsoft Transaction Server (MTS), and Microsoft SQL Server, are usedin conjunction with the Microsoft operating system, Microsoft NT webserver software, a Microsoft SQL Server database system, and a MicrosoftCommerce Server. Additionally, components such as Access or MicrosoftSQL Server, Oracle, Sybase, Informix MySQL, Interbase, etc., may be usedto provide an Active Data Object (ADO) compliant database managementsystem.

Any of the communications (e.g., communication link 120), inputs,storage, databases or displays discussed herein may be facilitatedthrough a website having web pages. The term “web page” as it is usedherein is not meant to limit the type of documents and applications thatmight be used to interact with the user. For example, a typical websitemight include, in addition to standard HTML documents, various forms,Java applets, JavaScript, active server pages (ASP), common gatewayinterface scripts (CGI), extensible markup language (XML), dynamic HTML,cascading style sheets (CSS), helper applications, plug-ins, and thelike. A server may include a web service that receives a request from aweb server, the request including a URL(http://yahoo.com/istockquotesge) and an IP address (123.45.6.78). Theweb server retrieves the appropriate web pages and sends the data orapplications for the web pages to the IP address. Web services areapplications that are capable of interacting with other applicationsover a communications means, such as the Internet. Web services aretypically based on standards or protocols such as XML, SOAP, WSDL andUDDI. Web services methods are well known in the art, and are covered inmany standard texts. See, e.g., Alex Nghiem, “IT Web Services: A Roadmapfor the Enterprise,” (2003), hereby incorporated herein by reference.

One or more computerized systems and/or users may facilitate control ofASC 100. As used herein, a user may include an employer, an employee, astructure inhabitant, a building administrator, a computer, a softwareprogram, facilities maintenance personnel, and/or any other user and/orsystem. In one embodiment, a user connected to a LAN may access ASC 100to facilitate movement of one or more window coverings. In anotherembodiment, ASC 100 may be configured to work with one or morethird-party shade control systems, such as, for example, Draper'sIntelliFlex© Control System. In addition and/or in an alternativeembodiment, a Building Management System (BMS), a lighting system and/oran HVAC System may be configured to control and/or communicate with ASC100 to facilitate optimum interior lighting and climate control.Further, ASC 100 may be configured to be remotely controlled and/orcontrollable by, for example, a service center. ASC 100 may beconfigured for both automated positioning of the window coverings and amanual override capability, either through a programmable user interfacesuch as a computer or through a control user interface such as a switch.Additionally, ASC 100 may be configured to receive updated softwareand/or firmware programming via a remote communication link, such ascommunication link 120, ASC 100 may also be configured to transmitand/or receive information directed to operational reporting, systemmanagement reporting, troubleshooting, diagnostics, error reporting andthe like via a remote communication link. Further, ASC 100 may beconfigured to transmit information generated by one or more sensors,such as motion sensors, wind sensors, radiometers, photosensors,temperature sensors, and the like, to a remote location via a remotecommunication link. Moreover, ASC 100 may be configured to transmitand/or receive any appropriate information via a remote communicationlink.

In one embodiment, an adaptive/proactive mode may be included. Theadaptive/proactive mode may be configured to operate upon firstinstallation for preset duration, whereby manual overrides of theautomated settings may be logged and/or critical parameters identifiedwhich update the automated routines as to when a specific zone of shadesshould be deployed to a specific position. Averaging algorithms may beemployed to minimize overcompensation. The manual override may beaccomplished via a number of methodologies based on how accessible thecapability is made to the occupant. In one embodiment, a manager orsupervisor may be in charge of manually overriding the shade settings inorder to mitigate issues where there may be a variance in comfortsettings between individuals. However, override capability may beprovided, for example, through switches, a telephone interface, abrowser facility on the workstation, a PDA, touch screen, switch and/orby using a remote control. In open plan areas where multi-banded shadesare employed, an infrared control may be employed so that the userpoints directly at the shadeband which needs to be operated. Thus, aninfrared sensor may be applied by each band of a multibanded shadeespecially if the sensor is somewhat concealed. ASC 100 may additionallybe configured with a preset timer wherein automatic operation of thewindow coverings will resume after a preset period after manual overrideof the system.

In another embodiment, ASC 100 is configured to facilitate control ofone or more motor zones, shade bands and/or shade zone. Each motor zonemay comprise one motor 130 for one to six shade bands. The shade zonesinclude one or more motor zones and/or floor/elevation zones. Forexample, in a building that is twelve stories high, each tenant may havesix floors. Each floor may comprise one shade zone, containing 3 motorzones. Each motor zone, in turn, may comprise 3 shade bands. A tenant onfloors three and four may access ASC 100 to directly control at leastone of the shade zones, motor zones and/or shade bands of its floors,without compromising or affecting the shade control of the othertenants.

In another embodiment, ASC 100 is configured with a “Shadow Program,” toadapt to shadows caused by nearby buildings and/or environmentalcomponents, for example hills, mountains, and the like. For example, theshadow program uses a computer model of adjacent buildings andtopography to model and characterize the shadows caused by surroundingnearby buildings on different parts of the object building. That is, ASC100 may use the shadow program to raise the shades for all motor zonesand/or shade zones that are in shadow from an adjacent building, fromtrees and mountains, from other physical conditions in addition tobuildings, and/or from any other obstruction of any kind. This furtherfacilitates maximization of daylight for the time the specific motorzones and/or shade zones are in shadow. When the shadow moves to othermotor and/or shade zones (as the sun moves), ASC 100 may revert to thenormal operating program protocols and override the shadow program. ThusASC 100 can maximize natural interior daylighting and help reduceartificial interior lighting needs.

In another embodiment, ASC 100 is configured with a “ReflectanceProgram,” to adapt to light reflected by reflective surfaces. As usedherein, reflectance may be considered to be beamed luminance and/orillumination from a specular surface. Light may be reflected onto abuilding by a body of water, an expanse of snow, an expanse of sand, aglass surface of a building, a metal surface of a building, and thelike. For example, the reflectance program uses a computer model ofadjacent buildings and topography to model and characterize the lightreflected by reflective surfaces onto different parts of the objectbuilding. That is, ASC 100 may use the reflectance program to move(lower and/or raise) one or more window coverings 255, for example awindow covering 255 in a motor zone and/or shade zones that are inreflected light from any reflected light surface and/or reflected lightsource of any kind. In this manner, undesirable glare may be reduced.Moreover, certain types of reflected beamed and/or diffuse illuminationmay also provide additional daylighting, particularly when the light isdirected toward a ceiling. When the reflected light moves to other motorand/or shade zones (e.g., as the sun moves), ASC 100 may revert to thenormal operating program protocols and/or override the reflectanceprogram. Thus, ASC 100 can maximize natural interior daylighting, helpreduce artificial interior lighting needs, and/or reduce glare and otherlighting conditions.

In a reflectance program, reflective objects may be defined by thecomputer as individual objects in a three-dimensional model. Moreover,each reflective object may have multiple reflective surfaces. Eachreflective object may be partially or fully, enabled or disabled (i.e.,partially or fully included in reflectance calculations or omitted fromreflectance calculations). In this manner, if a particular reflectiveobject (or any portion thereof) turns out, for example, to be lessreflective than anticipated and/or insufficiently reflective to be ofconcern at a particular brightness threshold, then that particularreflective object may be fully or partially removed from reflectancecalculations without affecting reflectance calculations for otherreflective objects. Moreover, a reflectance program utilized by ASC 100may be activated or inactivated, as desired. For example, thereflectance program may be configured to be activated if externalconditions are considered to be sunny, and the reflectance program maybe configured to be inactive if external conditions are considered to beovercast and/or cloudy.

Moreover, a reflectance program utilized by ASC 100 may be configuredwith information regarding the nature of each reflective object (e.g.,dimensions, surface characteristics, compositions of materials, etc). Inthis manner, ASC 100 may respond appropriately to various types ofreflected light. For example, in the case of a reflection from abuilding, the resulting apparent position of the sun has a positivealtitude. Therefore, the reflected solar ray is coming downward onto thebuilding in question, just as a direct solar ray is always coming down.Thus, in response, ASC 100 may utilize one or more solar penetrationalgorithms in order to move a window covering incrementally downward toat least partially block the incoming reflected solar ray. In anotherexample, in the case of reflectance from a body of water such as a pond,the resulting apparent position of the sun has a negative altitude(e.g., the reflected light appears to originate from a sun shining upfrom below the horizon). In response, ASC 100 may move a window coveringto a fully closed position to at least partially block the incomingreflected ray. However, ASC 100 may take any desired action and/or maymove a window covering to any suitable location and/or into anyappropriate configuration responsive to reflectance information, and ASC100 is not limited to the examples given.

In certain embodiments, ASC 100 may be configured with a minimumcalculated reflectance duration threshold before responding tocalculated reflectance information generated by a reflectance program.For example, a particular calculated portion of reflected light may becast onto a particular surface only for a limited amount of time, forexample one minute. Thus, movement of a window covering responsive tothis reflected light may be unnecessary. Moreover, movement of thewindow covering may not be able to be completed before the reflectedlight has ceased. Thus, in an embodiment, ASC 100 is configured torespond to calculated reflectance information only if the calculatedreflected light will continuously impinge on a window for one (1) minuteor longer. In another embodiment, ASC 100 is configured to respond tocalculated reflectance information only if the calculated reflectedlight will continuously impinge upon a window for five (5) minutes orlonger. Moreover, ASC 100 may be configured to respond to calculatedreflectance information wherein the calculated reflected light willcontinuously impinge upon a window for any desired length of time.

Additionally, ASC 100 may be configured with various reflectanceresponse times, for example advance and/or delay periods, associatedwith calculated reflectance information. For example, ASC 100 may beconfigured to move a window covering before a calculated reflected lightray will impinge on a window, for example one (1) minute before acalculated reflected light ray will impinge on the window. ASC 100 mayalso be configured to move a window covering after a calculatedreflected light ray has impinged on a window, for example ten (10)seconds after a calculated reflected light ray has impinged on a window.Moreover, ASC 100 may be configured with any appropriate advance and/ordelay periods responsive to calculated reflectance information, asdesired. Additionally, the advance and/or delay periods may vary fromzone to zone. Thus, ASC 100 may have a first reflectance response timeassociated with a first zone, a second reflectance response timeassociated with a second zone, and so on, and the reflectance responsetimes associated with each zone may differ. Additionally, a user mayupdate the reflectance response time associated with a particular zone,as desired. ASC 100 may thus be configured with any number of zonereflectance response times, default reflectance response times,user-input reflectance response times, and the like.

In various embodiments, a reflectance program utilized by ASC 100 may beconfigured to model primary reflectance information and/or higher orderreflectance information, e.g., information regarding dispersionreflections. The reflection of light off a non-ideal surface willgenerate a primary reflection (a first order reflection) and higherorder dispersion reflections. In general, second order dispersionreflections and/or higher order dispersion reflections may be modeledprovided that sufficient information regarding the associated reflectivesurface is available (for example, information regarding materialcharacteristics, surface conditions, and/or the like). Informationregarding primary reflections from a reflective surface, as well asinformation regarding higher order reflections from the reflectivesurface, may be stored in a database associated with the reflectanceprogram. This stored information may be utilized by the reflectanceprogram to calculate the appearance of various reflected light rays.However, due to various factors (for example, absorption at thereflective surface, absorption and/or scattering due to suspendedparticles in the air, and/or the like) the calculated reflected lightrays may in fact be unobtrusive or even undetectable to a human observerwhere the calculated reflected light is calculated to fall. Thus, nochange in a position of a window covering may be needed to maintainvisual comfort. ASC 100 may therefore ignore a calculated reflectedlight ray in order to avoid “ghosting”—i.e., movement of windowcoverings for no apparent reason to a human observer.

In general, a ray of light may be reflected any number of times (e.g.,once, twice, three times, and so on). A reflectance program maytherefore model repeated reflections in order to account for reflectedlight on a particular target surface. For example, sunlight may fall ona first building with a reflective surface. The light directly reflectedoff this first building has been reflected one time; thus, this lightmay be considered once reflected light. The once reflected light maytravel across the street and contact a second reflective building. Afterbeing reflected from the second building, the once reflected lightbecomes twice reflected light. The twice reflected light may be furtherreflected to become thrice reflected light, and so on. Because modelingmultiple reflection interactions for a particular light ray results inincreased computational load, larger data sets, and other data, areflectance program may be configured to model a predetermined maximumnumber of reflections for a particular light ray in order to achieve adesired degree of accuracy regarding reflected light within a desiredcomputation time. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, a reflectanceprogram may model only once reflected light (e.g., direct reflectionsonly). In other embodiments, a reflectance program may model once andtwice reflected light. Moreover, a reflectance program may modelreflected light which has been reflected off any number of reflectivesurfaces, as desired.

Additionally, because surfaces are typically not perfectly reflective,reflected light is less intense than direct light. Thus, the intensityof light decreases each time it is reflected. Therefore, a reflectanceprogram utilized by ASC 100 may limit the maximum number of calculatedreflections for a particular light ray in order to generate calculatedreflectance information. For example, a thrice reflected light ray maybe calculated to fall on a target window. However, due to absorptioncaused by the various intermediate reflective surfaces, the intensity ofthe thrice reflected light ray may be very low, and may in fact beunobtrusive or even undetectable to a hum an observer. Thus, no changein a position of a window covering may be needed to maintain visualcomfort. ASC 100 may therefore ignore the calculated thrice reflectedlight ray in order to avoid ghosting. Additionally, ASC 100 maycalculate reflectance information for only a small number of reflectionsinteractions (for example, once reflected light or twice reflectedlight) in order to avoid ghosting.

In various embodiments, ASC 100 may utilize one or more data tables, forexample a window table, an elevation table, a floor table, a buildingtable, a shadow table, a reflective surface table, and the like. Awindow table may comprise information associated with one or morewindows of a building (e.g., location information, index information,and the like). An elevation table may comprise information associatedwith one or more elevations of a building (e.g., location information,index information, and the like). A floor table may comprise informationassociated with floor of a building (e.g., floor number, height fromground, and the like). A building table may comprise information about abuilding, for example, orientation (e.g., compass direction), 3-Dcoordinate information, and the like. A shadow table may compriseinformation associated with one or more objects which may at leastpartially block sunlight from striking a building, for example, theheight of a mountain, the dimensions of an adjacent building, and thelike. A reflective surfaces table may comprise information associatedwith one or more reflective surfaces, for example, 3-D coordinateinformation, and the like. In this manner, ASC 100 may calculate desiredinformation, for example, when sunlight may be reflected from one ormore reflective surfaces onto one or more locations on a building, whena portion of a building may be in a shadow cast by an adjacent building,and the like.

ASC 100 solar tracking algorithms may be configured to assess andanalyze the position of the glazing (i.e., vertical, horizontal, slopedin any direction) to determine the solar heat gain and solarpenetration. ASC 100 may also use solar tracking algorithms to determineif there are shadows and/or reflections on the glazing, window walland/or façade from the building's own architectural features. Thesearchitectural features include, but are not limited to, windows,skylights, bodies of water, overhangs, fins, louvers, and/or lightshelves. Thus, if the building is shaded by, and/or in reflected lightfrom, any of these architectural features, the window covering may beadjusted accordingly using ASC 100 algorithms.

ASC 100 may be configured with one or more user interfaces to facilitateuser access and control. For example, as illustrated in an exemplaryscreen shot of a user interface 500 in FIG. 5, a user interface mayinclude a variety of clickable links, pull down menus 510, fill-in boxes515, and the like. User interface 500 may be used for accessing and/ordefining the wide variety of ASC 100 information used to control theshading of a building, including, for example, geodesic coordinates of abuilding; the floor plan of the building; universal shade systemcommands (e.g., add shades up, down, etc.); event logging; the actualand calculated solar position; the actual and calculated solar angle;the actual and calculated solar radiation; the actual and calculatedsolar penetration angle and/or depth; the actual and/or calculated solarintensity; the measured brightness and veiling glare across the heightof the window wall or a portion of the window (e.g. the vision panel)and/or on any façades, task surfaces and/or floors; shadow information;reflectance information; the current time; solar declination; solaraltitude; solar azimuth; sky conditions; sunrise and sunset time;location of the various radiometers zones; the azimuth or surfaceorientation of each zone; the compass reading of each zone; thebrightness at the window zones; the incidence angle of the sun strikingthe glass in each zone; the window covering positions for each zone; theheat gain; and/or any other parameters used or defined by the ASC 100components, the users, the radiometers, the light sensors, thetemperature sensors, and the like.

ASC 100 may also be configured to generate one or more reports based onany of the ASC 100 parameters as described above. For example, ASC 100can generate daylighting reports based on floor plans, power usage,event log data, sensor locations, shade positions, shade movements,shadow information, reflectance information, the relationship of sensordata to shade movements and/or to manual over-rides and/or the like. Thereporting feature may also allow users to analyze historical datadetail. For example, historical data regarding shade movement inconjunction with at least one of sky condition, brightness sensor data,shadow information, reflectance information, and the like, may allowusers to continually optimize the system over time. As another example,data for a particular period can be compared from one year to the next,providing an opportunity to optimize the system in ways that have neverbeen possible or practical with existing systems.

ASC 100 may be configured to operate in automatic mode (based uponpreset window covering movements) and/or reactive modes (based uponreadings from one or more sensors 125). For example, an array of one ormore visible light spectrum photo sensors may be implemented in reactivemode where they are oriented on the roof towards the horizon. The photosensors may be used to qualify and/or quantify the sky conditions, forexample at sunrise and/or sunset. Further, the photo sensors may beconfigured inside the structure to detect the amount of visible lightwithin a structure. ASC 100 may further communicate with one or moreartificial lighting systems to optimize the visible lighting within astructure based upon the photo sensor readings.

With reference to an exemplary diagram illustrated in FIG. 2A, anembodiment of a window system 200 is depicted. Window system 200comprises a structural surface 205 configured with one or more windows210. A housing 240 may be connected to structural surface 205. Housing240 may comprise one or more motors 130 and/or opening devices 250configured for adjusting one or more window coverings 255. Based onfactors including, for example, time of day, time of year, windowgeometry, building geometry, building environment, and the like, a solarray may achieve an actual solar penetration 260 into an enclosed spacethrough window system 200. With reference now to FIG. 2B, one or morewindow coverings 255 may be extended in order to partially and/or fullyblock and/or obstruct the solar ray in order to limit an actual solarpenetration to a programmed solar penetration 270.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, structural surface 205 maycomprise a wall, a steel reinforcement beam, a ceiling, a floor, and/orany other structural surface or component. Windows 210 may comprise anytype of window, including, for example, skylights and/or any other typeof openings configured for sunlight penetration. Housing 240 may beconfigured as any type of housing, including, for example, ceramicpipes, hardware housings, plastic housings, and/or any other type ofhousing. Opening devices 250 may comprise pull cords, roller bars,drawstrings, ties, pulleys, levers, and/or any other type of deviceconfigured to facilitate adjusting, opening, closing, and/or varyingwindow coverings 255.

Window coverings 255 may be any type of covering for a window forfacilitating control of solar glare, brightness and veiling glare,contrasting brightness and veiling glare, illuminance ratios, solar heatgain or loss, UV exposure, uniformity of design and/or for providing abetter interior environment for the occupants of a structure supportingincreased productivity. Window coverings 255 may be any type of coveringfor a window, such as, for example, blinds, drapes, shades, Venetianblinds, vertical blinds, adjustable louvers or panels, fabric coveringswith and/or without low E coatings, mesh, mesh coverings, window slats,metallic coverings and/or the like.

Window coverings 255 may also comprise two or more different fabrics ortypes of coverings to achieve optimum shading. For example, windowcoverings 255 may be configured with both fabric and window slats.Furthermore, an exemplary embodiment may employ a dual window coveringsystem whereby two window coverings 255 of different types are employedto optimize the shading performance under two different modes ofoperation. For instance, under clear sky conditions a darker fabriccolor may face the interior of the building (weave permitting a brightersurface to the exterior of the building to reflect incident energy backout of the building) to minimize reflections and glare thus promoting aview to the outside while reducing brightness and veiling glare andthermal load on the space. Alternatively, during cloudy conditions abrighter fabric facing the interior may be deployed to positivelyreflect interior brightness and veiling glare back into the space thusminimizing gloom to promote productivity.

Window coverings 255 may also be configured to be aestheticallypleasing. For example, window coverings 255 may be adorned with variousdecorations, colors, textures, logos, pictures, and/or other features toprovide aesthetic benefits. In one embodiment, window coverings 255 areconfigured with aesthetic features on both sides of the coverings. Inanother embodiment, only one side of coverings 255 are adorned. Windowcoverings 255 may also be configured with reflective surfaces,light-absorbent surfaces, wind resistance material, rain resistancematerial, and/or any other type of surface and/or resistance. While FIG.2 depicts window coverings 255 configured within a structure, windowcoverings 255 may be configured on the outside of a structure, bothinside and outside a structure, between two window panes and/or thelike. Motors 130 and/or opening device 250 may be configured tofacilitate adjusting window coverings 255 to one or more positions alongwindow 210 and/or structural surface 205. For example, as depicted inFIGS. 2A and 2B, motor 130 and/or opening device 250 may be configuredto move window coverings 255 into any number of stop positions, such asinto four different stop positions 215, 220, 225, and 230.

Moreover, window coverings 255 may be configured to be movedindependently. For example, window coverings 255 associated with asingle window and/or set of windows may comprise a series of adjustablefins or louvers. Control of the upper fins may be separate from controlof the lower fins. Thus, light from lower fins may be directed at afirst angle to protect people and daylighting, while light from upperfins may be directed at a second angle to maximize illumination on theceiling and into the space behind the fins. In another example, windowcoverings 255 associated with a single window and/or set of windows maycomprise roller screens and/or horizontal blinds associated with a lowerportion of a single window and/or set of windows, and a series ofadjustable fins or louvers associated with an upper portion of a singlewindow and/or set of windows. Control of the lower roller screens and/orlower horizontal blinds may be separate from the upper louvers. Asbefore, the lower roller screens and/or lower horizontal blinds mayprotect people and daylighting, while the upper louvers may direct lighttoward the ceiling to maximize illumination on the ceiling and into thespace behind the louvers.

Further, window coverings 255 may comprise any number of individualcomponents, such as multiple shade tiers. For example, window coverings255 associated with a single window and/or set of windows may comprisemultiple horizontal and/or vertical tiers, for example three shadetiers—a bottom tier, a middle tier, and a top tier. Control of eachshade tier may be separate from control of each other shade tier. Thus,for example, the top shade tier may be moved down, then the middle tiermay be moved down, and then the lower tier may be moved down, and viceversa. Moreover, multiple shades may be configured to act in concert.For example, a 300 foot high window may be covered by three 100 footshades, each of which are controlled individually. However, the three100 foot shades may be configured to move in a concerted manner so as toprovide continuous or nearly continuous deployment of shading from topto bottom. Thus, multiple shade tiers may be moved in any sequenceand/or into any configuration suitable to facilitate control of one ormore parameters such as, for example, interior brightness, interiortemperature, solar heat gain, and the like.

Stop positions 215, 220, 225, and 230 may be determined based on the skytype. That is, CCS 110 may be configured to run one or more programs toautomatically control the movement of the motorized window coverings 255unless a user chooses to manually override the control of some or all ofthe coverings 255. One or more programs may be configured to move windowcoverings 255 to shade positions 215, 220, 225, and 230 depending on avariety of factors, including, for example, latitude, the time of day,the time of year, the measured solar radiation intensity, theorientation of window 210, the extent of solar penetration 235, shadowinformation, reflectance information, and/or any other user-definedmodifiers. Additionally, window coverings 255 may be configured tospecially operate under a severe weather mode, such as, for example,during hurricanes, tornadoes, and the like. While FIGS. 2A and 2B depictfour different stop positions, ASC 100 may comprise any number of shadeand/or stop positions for facilitating automated shade control.

For example, shading on a building may cause a number of effects,including, for example, reduced heat gain, a variation in the shadingcoefficient, reduced visible light transmission to as low as 0-1%,lowered “U” value with the reduced conductive heat flow from “hot tocold” (for example, reduced heat flow into the building in summer),and/or reduced heat flow through the glazing in winter. Window coverings255 may be configured with lower “U” values to facilitate bringing thesurface temperature of the inner surface of window coverings 255 closerto the room temperature. That is, to facilitate making the inner surfaceof window coverings 255 i.e. cooler than the glazing in the summer andwarmer than the glazing in the winter. As a result, window coverings 255may help occupants near the window wall to not sense the warmer surfaceof the glass and therefore feel more comfortable in the summer andrequire less air conditioning. Similarly, window coverings 255 may helpduring the winter months by helping occupants maintain body heat whilesitting adjacent to the cooler glass, and thus require lower interiorheating temperatures. The net effect is to facilitate a reduction inenergy usage inside the building by minimizing room temperaturemodifications.

ASC 100 may be configured to operate in a variety of sky modes tofacilitate movement of window coverings 255 for optimum interiorlighting. The sky modes include, for example, overcast mode, night mode,clear sky mode, partly cloudy mode, sunrise mode, sunset mode and/or anyother user configured operating mode. ASC 100 may be configured to useclear sky solar algorithms developed by the American Society of Heating,Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and/or any otherclear sky solar algorithms known or used to calculate and quantify skymodels. For example, and with reference to FIG. 4, the ASHRAE model 400may include a curve of the ASHRAE theoretical clear sky solar radiation405 as a function of time 410 and the integrated solar radiation value415. Time 410 depicts the time from sunrise to sunset. The measuredsolar radiation values 420 may then be plotted to show the measuredvalues to the calculated clear sky values. ASHRAE model 400 may be usedto facilitate tracking sky conditions throughout the day. CCS 110 may beconfigured to draw a new ASHRAE model 400 every hour, every day, and/orat any other user-defined time interval. Additionally, ASC 100 may beconfigured to compare measured solar radiation values 420 to thresholdlevel 425. Threshold level 425 may represent a percentage of ASHRAEcalculated clear sky solar radiation 405. When measured solar radiationvalues 420 exceed threshold level 425, ASC 100 may be configured tooperate in a first sky mode, such as clear sky mode. Similarly, whenmeasured solar radiation values 420 do not exceed threshold level 425,ASC may be configured to operate in a second sky mode, such as overcastmode.

ASC 100 may use the ASHRAE clear sky models in conjunction with one ormore inputs from one or more sensors 125, such as radiometers, tomeasure the instantaneous solar radiation levels within a structureand/or to determine the sky mode. CCS 110 may be configured to sendcommands to motors 130 and/or window openings 250 to facilitateadjustment of the position of window coverings 255 in accordance withthe sky mode, the solar heat gain into the structure, the solarpenetration into the structure, ambient illumination and/or any otheruser defined criteria.

For example, in one embodiment, the ASHRAE model can be used to providea reduced heat gain which is measured by the shading coefficient factorof a fabric which varies by density, weave and color. In addition thewindow covering, when extended over the glass, may add a “U” Value(reciprocal to “R” value) and reduce conductive heat gain (i.e.reduction in temperature transfer by conduction.)

For example, with reference to a flowchart exemplified in FIG. 3, CCS110 may be configured to receive solar radiation readings from one ormore sensors 125, such as radiometers (step 301), CCS 110 may thendetermine whether any of the sensor readings are out-of-range, thusindicating an error (step 303). If any of the readings/values areout-of-range, CCS 110 may be configured to average the readings of thein-range sensors to obtain a compare value (step 305) for comparisonwith an ASHIRAE clear sky solar radiation model (step 307). If allreadings are in-range, then each sensor value may be compared to atheoretical solar radiation value predicted by the ASHRAE clear skysolar radiation model (step 307). That is, each sensor 125 may have areading that indicates a definable deviation in percentage from theASHRAE clear sky theoretical value. Thus, if the sensor readings are alla certain percentage from the theoretical value, it can be determinedthat the conditions are cloudy or clear (step 308).

CCS 110 may also be configured to calculate and/or incorporate the solarheat gain (SHG) period for one or more zones (step 309). By calculatingthe SHG, CCS 110 may communicate with one or more sun sensors configuredwithin ASC 100. The sun sensors may be located on the windows, in theinterior space, on the exterior of a structure and/or at any otherlocation to facilitate measuring the solar penetration and/or solarradiation and/or heat gain at that location. CCS 110 may be configuredto compare the current position of one or more window coverings 255 topositions based on the most recent calculated SHG to determine whetherwindow coverings 255 should be moved. CCS 110 may additionally determinethe time of the last movement of window coverings 255 to determine ifanother movement is needed. For example, if the user-specified minimumtime interval has not yet elapsed, then CCS 110 may be configured toignore the latest SHG and not move window coverings 255 (step 311).Alternately, CCS 110 may be configured to override the user-defined timeinterval for window coverings 255 movements. Thus, CCS 110 mayfacilitate movement of coverings 255 to correspond to the latest SHGvalue (step 313).

While FIG. 3 depicts the movement of window coverings 255 in a specificmanner with specific steps, any number of these steps may be used tofacilitate movement of window coverings 255. Further, while a certainorder of steps is presented, any of the steps may occur in any order.Further still, while the method of FIG. 3 anticipates using sensorsand/or the SHG to facilitate movement of window coverings 255, a varietyof additional and/or alternative factors may be used by CCS 110 tofacilitate movement, such as, for example, the calculated solarradiation intensity incident on each zone, user requirements for lightpollutions, structural insulation factors, light uniformityrequirements, seasonal requirements, and the like.

For example, ASC 100 may be configured to employ a variety of iterationsfor the movement of window coverings 255. In one embodiment, ASC 100 maybe configured to use a Variable Allowable Solar Penetration Program(VASIPP), wherein ASC 100 may be configured to apply different maximumsolar penetration settings based on the time of the year. These solarpenetrations may be configured to vary some of the operation of ASC 100because of the variations in sun angles during the course of a year. Forexample, in the wintertime (in North America), the sun will be at alower angle and thus sensors 125, such as radiometers and/or any othersensors used with the present invention, may detect maximum BTUs, andthere may be high solar penetration into a structure. That is, thebrightness and veiling glare on the south and east orientations of thebuilding will have substantial sunshine and brightness on the windowwall for the winter months, for extended periods of the day from atleast 10 am to 2 pm. Under these situations, the allowable solarpenetration setting of ASC 100 may be set lower to facilitate moreprotection due to the lower solar angles and higher brightness andveiling glare levels across the façade of the structure. In anotherembodiment, a shade cloth with a medium to medium dark value grey to theout side and a light medium grey to the interior at 2-3% openness,depending on the interior color may be used to control brightness,maximize view and allow for the more open fabric.

In contrast, in the summertime, the sun will be at a higher angleminimizing BTU load, thus the allowable solar penetration for ASC 100may be set higher to facilitate viewing during clear sky conditions. Forexample, the north, northwest and northeast orientations generally havemuch lower solar loads year round but do have the orb of the sun in theearly morning and the late afternoon in summer, and may have brightnesslevels that exceed 2000 NITS; 5500 Lux (current window brightnessdefault value) at various times of the year and day however for shorterperiods. These high solar intensities are most prevalent during thethree month period centered on June 21, the summer solstice. To combatthis, ASC 100 may be configured so that the higher solar penetrationdoes not present a problem with light reaching an uncomfortable positionwith regard to interior surfaces. Under these conditions, the VASPP maybe configured with routine changes in solar penetration throughout theyear, for example, by month or by changes in season (i.e., by theseasonal solstices). A minimum BTU load (“go”/“no-go”) may additionallybe employed in ASC 100 whereby movement of window coverings 255 may notcommence unless the BTU load on the façade of a structure is above acertain preset level.

The VASPP may also be configured to adjust the solar penetration basedon the solar load on the glass. For example, if the south facingelevation has a stairwell, it may have a different solar penetrationrequirement than the office area and different from the corner at thewest elevation. Light may filter up and down the stairwell causingshades to move asymmetrically. As a result, window coverings 255 may belowered or raised based upon the sun angle and solar heat gain levels(which may or may not be confirmed by active sensors before makingadjustments). The VASPP may also be configured with an internalbrightness and veiling glare sensor to facilitate fine-tuning of thelevels of window coverings 255. Additionally, there may be one or morepre-adjusted set position points of window coverings 255 based on aday/brightness analysis. The day/brightness analysis may factor in anyone or more of for example, estimated BTU loads, sky conditions,daylight times, veiling glare, averages from light sensors and/or anyother relevant algorithms and/or data.

In another aspect of the present invention, one or more optical photosensors may be located in the interior, exterior or within a structure.The photo sensors may facilitate daylight/brightness sensing andaveraging for reactive protection of excessive brightness and veilingglare due to reflecting surfaces from the surrounding cityscape or urbanlandscape. These bright reflective surfaces may include but are notlimited to, reflective glass on adjacent buildings, water surfaces,sand, snow, and/or any other bright surfaces exterior to the buildingwhich under specific solar conditions will send visually debilitatingreflective light into the building.

In one exemplary method, the sensors may be located about 30-36 inchesfrom the floor and about 6-inches from the fabric to emulate the fieldof view (FOV) from a desk top. One or more additional sensors may detectlight by looking at the light through window coverings 255 while itmoves through the various stop positions. The FOV sensors and theadditional sensors may be averaged to determine the daylight levels. Ifthe value of daylight levels is greater than a default value, ASC 100may enter a brightness override mode and move window coverings 255 toanother position. If the daylight levels do not exceed the defaultvalue, ASC 100 may not enter a brightness override mode and thus notmove window coverings 255. Afterwards, ASC 100 may be configured forfine-tuning the illuminance levels of the window wall by averaging theshaded and unshaded portion of the window. Fine tuning may be used toadjust the field of view from a desk top in accordance with the season,interior, exterior, and furniture considerations and/or task andpersonal considerations.

In another embodiment, ASC 100 may be configured with about 6-10 photosensors positioned in the following exemplary locations: (1) one photosensor looking at the fabric at about 3 feet 9 inches off the floor andabout 3 inches from the fabric at a south elevation; (2) one sensorlooking at the glass at about 3 feet 6 inches off the floor and about 3inches from the glass at a south elevation; (3) one sensor looking atthe dry wall at a south elevation; (4) one sensor mounted on a desk-toplooking at the ceiling; (5) one sensor mounted outside the structurelooking south; (6) one sensor mounted outside the structure lookingwest; (7) one sensor about 3 inches from the center of the extendedwindow coverings 255 when window coverings 255 is about 25% closed; (8)one sensor about 3 inches from the center of the extended windowcoverings 255 when coverings 255 is about 25% to 50% closed; (9) onesensor about 3 inches from the center of the glass; and (10) one sensorabout 3 inches from the middle of the lower section of a window,approximately 18 inches off the floor. In one embodiment, ASC 100 mayaverage the readings from, for example, sensors 10 and 7 describedabove. If the average is above a default value and the ASC has not movedwindow coverings 255, coverings 255 may be moved to an about 25% closedposition. Next, ASC 100 may average the readings from sensors 10 and 8to determine whether window coverings 255 should be moved again.

In another embodiment, ASC 100 may be configured to average the readingfrom sensors 2 and 1 above. ASC 100 may use the average of these twosensors to determine a “go” or “no go” value. That is, if the glasssensor (sensor 2) senses too much light and ASC 100 has not moved windowcoverings 255, coverings 255 will be moved to a first position. ASC 100will then average the glass sensor (sensor 2) and the sensor lookingonly at light through the fabric (sensor 1). If this average value isgreater then a user-defined default value, window coverings 255 may bemoved to the next position and this process will be repeated. If ASC 100has previously dictated a window covering position based upon the solargeometry and sky conditions (as described above), ASC 100 may beconfigured to override this positioning to lower and/or raise windowcoverings 255. If the average light levels on the two sensors drop belowthe default value, the positioning from the solar geometry and skyconditions will take over.

In another similar embodiment, a series of photo sensors may be employeddiscreetly behind an available structural member such as a column orstaircase whereby, for example, these sensors may be locatedapproximately 3 to 5 feet off the fabric and glass surfaces. Foursensors may be positioned across the height of the window wallcorresponding in mounting height between each of potentially fivealignment positions (including full up and full down). These sensors mayeven serve a temporary purpose whereby the levels detected on thesesensors may be mapped over a certain time period either to existingceiling mounted photo sensors already installed to help control thebrightness and veiling glare of the lighting system in the space or evento externally mounted photo sensors in order to ultimately minimize theresources required to instrument the entire building.

In another exemplary embodiment, ASC 100 may be configured with one ormore additional light sensors that look at a window wall. The sensorsmay be configured to continuously detect and report the light levels asthe shades move down the window. ASC 100 may use these light levels tocompute the luminous value of the entire window walls, and it may usethese values to facilitate adjustment of the shades. In one embodiment,three different sensors are positioned to detect light from the windowwall. In another embodiment, two different sensors are positioned todetect light from the window wall. A first sensor may be positioned toview the window shade at a position corresponding to window coverings255 being about 25% closed, and a second sensor may be positioned toview the window at a position of about 75% closed. The sensors may beused to optimize light threshold, differentiate between artificial andnatural light, and/or utilize a brightness and veiling glare sensor toprotect against overcompensation for brightness and veiling glare. Thismethod may also employ a solar geometry override option. That is, if thelight values drop to a default value, the movement of window coverings255 may be controlled by solar geometric position instead of lightlevels.

Additionally, ASC 100 may be configured with one or more sensors lookingat a dry interior wall. The sensors may detect interior illuminance andcompare this value with the average illuminance of one or more sensorslooking at the window wall. This ratio may be used to determine thepositioning of window coverings 255 by causing coverings 255 to move upor down in order to achieve an interior lighting ratio of dry wallilluminance to window wall illuminance ranging from about, for example,9:1 to 15:1. Other industry standard configurations employ illuminanceratios of 3:1 regarding a 30 degree cone of view (central field ofvision) around the VDU (Video Display Unit), 10:1 regarding a 90 degreecone of view around the VDU and a ratio of 30:1 regarding back wallilluminance to the VDU. Sensors may be placed strategically throughoutthe room environment in order to bring data to the controller to supportthese types of algorithms.

In yet another embodiment, ASC 100 may also be configured to accommodatetransparent window façades following multi-story stair sections whichtend to promote a “clerestory-like” condition down a stairway (i.e., theupper portion of a wall that contains windows supplies natural light toa building). ASC 100 may be configured to use the solar trackingalgorithm to consider a double-height façade to ensure that thepenetration angle of the sun is properly accounted for and controlled.For example, the geometry of a window (including details such as height,overhangs, fins, position in the window wall, and/or the like) may beprogrammed into ASC 100, which then calculates the impact of a solar rayon the window. The photo sensor placement and algorithms may be placedto help detect and overcome any overriding brightness and veiling glareoriginating from reflections from light penetration through the upperfloors.

In another embodiment, ASC 100 may employ any combination of photosensors located on the exterior of the building and/or the interiorspace to detect uncomfortable light levels during sunrise and sunsetwhich override the window covering settings established by the solartracking under these conditions.

In another embodiment, ASC 100 may be configured to detect brightovercast days and establish the appropriate window covering settingsunder these conditions. Bright overcast days tend to have a uniformbrightness in the east and west while the zenith tends to beapproximately one-third the brightness of the horizons which is contraryto a bright, clear day where the zenith is typically three timesbrighter than the horizon. Exterior sensors 125, such as photo sensorsand/or radiometers, may be configured to detect these conditions. Underthese conditions, the window coverings (top-down) may be pulled down tojust below the desk height in order to promote proper illumination atthe desk surface while providing a view to the cityscape. Internal photosensors may also be helpful in determining this condition and may allowthe window coverings to come down to only 50% and yet preserve thebrightness and veiling glare comfort derived by illuminance ratios inthe space. For example, various sensors 125, such as photosensors and/orradiometers, may be placed on all sides and/or roof surfaces of abuilding. For example, a rectangular building with a flat roof may havevarious sensors 125 placed on all four sides of the building and on theroof. Thus, ASC 110 may detect directional sunlighting on a clear day.Additionally, ASC 110 may detect a bright overcast condition, whereinsunlighting may have a relatively diffuse, uniform luminous character.Accordingly, ASC 110 may implement various algorithms in order tocontrol excessive sky brightness. Moreover, ASC 100 may comprise anyvarious sensors 125 placed on all sides and/or facades of a buildingwhich has many orientations due to the shape of the building and/or thedirections a building façade faces.

In various embodiments, overriding sensors 125 may also be strategicallyplaced on each floor and connected to ASC 100 to help detect glarereflections from the urban landscape as well as to handle changes madein the urban landscape and ensure the proper setting for the shades tomaintain visual comfort. These sensors 125 may also be employed to helpreduce veiling glare and brightness problems at night in urban settingswhere minimal signage thresholds imposed on surrounding buildings andthe instrumented building may pose unusual lighting conditions which maybe difficult to model. In some cases, these situations may be staticwhereby a sensor 125 may be unnecessary and a timer may simply beemployed to handle these conditions based on occupancy which isinformation that may be provided from the building's lighting system.Moreover, a reflectance algorithm may be employed by ASC 100 in order toaccount for reflected light, including reflected sunlight, reflectedartificial light from nearby sources, and the like.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, and with reference now toFIG. 6, ASC 100 may be configured to implement an algorithm, such asalgorithm 600, incorporating at least one of solar heat gaininformation, sky condition information, shadow information, reflectanceinformation, solar profile information and/or solar penetrationinformation. CCS 110 may be configured to receive information from oneor more sensors 125, such as radiometers or other total solar measuringsensors (step 601). CSS 110 may then compare the received information toone or more model values (step 603). Based on the results of thecomparison, CCS 110 may determine if the sky conditions are cloudy orclear (step 605). CCS 110 may then calculate the solar heat gain for theinterior space in question (step 607). CCS 110 may then evaluate if thesolar heat gain is above a desired threshold (step 609). If the solarheat gain is below a desired threshold, for example, one or more windowcoverings may be moved at least partially toward to a fully openedposition (step 611). Correspondingly, if one or more window coveringsare already in a fully opened position, the window coverings may not bemoved.

Continuing to reference FIG. 6, if the solar heat gain is above adesired threshold, CCS 110 may use sky condition information determinedin step 605 to evaluate the need to move one or more window coverings(step 613). If the sky conditions are determined to be overcast, one ormore window coverings may be moved at least partially toward a fullyopened position and/or kept in a fully opened position (step 615). Ifthe sky conditions are determined to be clear, CCS 110 may use at leastone of shadow information, reflectance information, and the like, todetermine if one or more windows in question are exposed to sunlight(step 617). If the one or more windows in question are not exposed tosunlight, the one or more window coverings may be moved at leastpartially toward a fully opened position and/or kept in a fully openedposition (step 619). If the one or more windows in question are exposedto sunlight, CCS 110 may calculate and/or measure the profile angleand/or incident angle of the sunlight (step 621).

With continued reference to FIG. 6, based on information including butnot limited to solar profile angle, solar incident angle, windowgeometry, building features, position of one or more window coverings,shadow information, reflectance information, sky conditions and/or thelike, CCS 110 may then calculate the current solar penetration. If thecurrent solar penetration is below a threshold solar penetration (step623), one or more windows coverings may be moved at least partiallytoward a fully open position and/or kept in a fully opened position(step 625). Alternatively, if the current solar penetration is above athreshold solar penetration, CCS 110 may issue instructions configuredto move one or more window coverings at least partway toward a fullyclosed position in order to reduce the current solar penetration belowthe threshold solar penetration (step 627).

Moreover, in certain embodiments, CCS 110 and/or ASC 100 may beconfigured with a delay period before responding to information receivedfrom a sensor (for example, reflectance information, brightnessinformation, shadow information, and/or the like). For example, certainreflected light, such as light reflected from a moving vehicle, may becast onto a particular surface only for a limited amount of time. Thus,movement of a window covering responsive to this reflected light may beunnecessary. Moreover, movement of the window covering may not be ableto be completed before the reflected light has ceased. Additionally,responding to repeated transient reflected light rays (e.g., reflectionsfrom a procession of vehicles, from the unsettled surface of a body ofwater, and the like) may result in near-constant window coveringmovement in an attempt to keep up with the ever-changing lightingconditions. In another example, a certain shadow condition may onlypersist for a brief period of time, for example a shadow conditioncaused by the sun being momentarily obscured by a cloud. Therefore,movement of a window covering responsive to this change in lighting maybe unnecessary.

Thus, in an embodiment, ASC 100 and/or CCS 110 is configured to respondto information from a sensor only after the sensor has reported achanged lighting condition (e.g., the appearance of reflected light, theappearance of shadow, and/or the like) persisting for five (5) seconds.In another embodiment, ASC 100 and/or CCS 110 is configured to respondto information from a sensor only after the sensor has reported achanged lighting condition persisting for ten (10) seconds. Moreover,ASC 100 may have a first response time associated with a first zone, asecond response time associated with a second zone, and so on, and theresponse times associated with each zone may differ. Additionally, auser may update the response time associated with a particular zone, asdesired. ASC 100 may thus be configured with any number of zone responsetimes, default response times, user-input response times, and the like.

Turning now to FIG. 7, and in accordance with an exemplary embodiment,ASC 100 may be configured to implement an algorithm, such as algorithm700, incorporating brightness information. CCS 110 may be configured toreceive brightness information from one or more photosensors. CCS 110may also be configured to receive information from other sensors, suchas radiometers, ultraviolet sensors, infrared sensors, and the like(step 701). CCS 110 may then evaluate the current luminance, and comparethe current luminance to a threshold luminance (step 703). If thecurrent luminance exceeds a threshold luminance, CCS 110 may implement abrightness override, and one or more window coverings may be moved atleast partway toward a fully closed position (step 705). If the currentluminance does not exceed a threshold luminance, CCS 110 may notimplement a brightness override, and one or more window coverings may beleft in their current positions and/or moved at least partway toward afully open position (step 707).

Moreover, ASC 100 may be configured to utilize one or more externalsensors, for example visible light sensors, in order to implement abrightness override. In this manner, individual building zone brightnesssensors may be reduced and/or eliminated, leading to significant costsavings, as the building zone brightness sensors may be costly topurchase and/or install, and difficult to calibrate and/or maintain.Moreover, ASC 100 may be configured to utilize one or more interiorphoto sensors in conjunction with one or more external photo sensors inorder to determine if a brightness override is needed for any of themotor zones in a particular building.

With reference now to FIG. 8, and in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment, ASC 100 may be configured to implement an algorithm, such asalgorithm 800, incorporating shadow information. CCS 110 may beconfigured to query a shadow model (step 801) which may containinformation regarding shadowing of a building due to the environment,such as nearby structures, landscape features (e.g., mountains, hills,and the like), and other items which may cast a shade onto a building atany point during a day and/or year. CCS 110 may then evaluate thecurrent shadow information to determine if one or more windows and/ormotor zones are in a shadowed condition (step 803). If the one or morewindows and/or motor zones are shadowed, CCS 110 may implement a shadowoverride, and one or more window coverings may be moved at least partwaytoward a fully open position (step 805). If one or more windows and/ormotor zones are not shadowed, CCS 110 may not implement a shadowoverride, and one or more window coverings may be left in their currentpositions and/or moved at least partway towards a fully closed position(step 807). Additionally, CCS 110 may be configured to not implement ashadow override if one or more windows and/or motor zones will beshadowed for a limited period of time, such as between about one minuteand thirty minutes. Moreover, CCS 110 may be configured to not implementa shadow override if one or more windows and/or motor zones will beshadowed for any desired length of time.

In various exemplary embodiments, CCS 110 may be configured to implementa shadow override when ASC 100 is operating in clear sky mode. In otherexemplary embodiments, CCS 110 may be configured to implement a shadowoverride when ASC 100 observes measured solar radiation equal to or inexcess of 75 percent of ASHRAE calculated clear sky solar radiation.Moreover, in certain exemplary embodiments, CCS 110 may be overridden bya bright overcast sky mode calculation wherein one or more windowcoverings are moved to a predetermined position, for example 50% offully open.

With reference now to FIG. 9, and in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment, ASC 100 may be configured to implement an algorithm (e.g.,algorithm 900) incorporating reflectance information. CCS 110 may beconfigured to query a reflectance model (step 901) which may containinformation regarding light reflected onto a building due to theenvironment, for example by reflective components of nearby structures,landscape features (e.g., water, sand, snow, and the like), and otheritems which may reflect light onto a building at any point during anytime period (e.g., day, season, year). CCS 110 may then evaluate thecurrent reflectance information to determine if one or more windowsand/or motor zones are in a reflectance condition (step 903). Ifreflected light is cast on at least a portion of one or more windowsand/or motor zones, the window and/or motor zone may be deemed to be ina reflectance condition. Moreover, if only a subset of the windowscomprising a motor zone is in a reflectance condition, that motor zonemay be considered to be in a reflectance condition.

However, ASC 100 may be configured to assess each window in a motor zoneand determine if each window is in a non-reflectance condition (e.g., noreflected light is falling on the window), a full reflectance condition(e.g., reflected light is filling on all portions of the window), apartial reflectance condition (e.g., reflected light is falling on onlya portion of the window), and the like. ASC 100 may thus consider awindow and/or motor zone to be in a reflectance condition based on auser preference. For example, in an embodiment, ASC 100 is configured toconsider a window to be in a reflectance condition when the window isfully or partially in reflected light. In other embodiments, ASC 100 isconfigured to consider a window to be in a reflectance condition whenthe window is fully in reflected light. In still other embodiments, ASC100 is configured to consider a window to be in a reflectance conditionwhen at least 10% of the window is in reflected light. Moreover, ASC 100may consider a window to be in a reflectance condition by using anyappropriate thresholds, measurements, and/or the like.

If the one or more windows and/or motor zones are in reflected light,CCS 110 may implement a reflectance override, and one or more windowcoverings may be moved at least partway toward a fully closed position(step 905). If one or more windows and/or motor zones are not inreflected light, CCS 110 may not implement a reflectance override, andone or more window coverings may be left in their current positionsand/or moved at least partway towards a fully open position (step 907).Additionally, CCS 110 may be configured to not implement a reflectanceoverride in response to one or more windows and/or motor zones being inreflected light for a limited period of time, such as between about oneminute and thirty minutes. Moreover, CCS 110 may be configured to notimplement a reflectance override if one or more windows and/or motorzones will be in reflected light for any desired length of time.

ASC 100 may further be configured to enable and/or disable a reflectanceoverride based on any suitable criteria, for example: the current ASHRAEand/or radiometer sky data readings (i.e., full spectrum information);the sky data readings from one or more photometers (i.e., oriented inany suitable manner, for example east-facing, west-facing,zenith-oriented, and/or the like); a combination of radiometer andphotometer data readings; and/or the like. Moreover, data from one ormore photometers may be utilized by ASC 100 in order to calculate theneed for a reflectance override. However, data from one or moreradiometers may also be utilized. Further, in various embodiments, ASC100 may be configured to implement various averaging algorithms,thresholds, and the like in order to reduce the need for repeatedmovements or “cycling” of one or more window coverings 255.

In various exemplary embodiments, CCS 110 may be configured to implementa reflectance override when ASC 100 is operating in clear sky mode.However, CCS 110 may also implement a reflection override, for exampleresponsive to radiometer sky data, when ASC is operating in any mode. Inother exemplary embodiments, CCS 110 may be configured to implement areflectance override when ASC 100 observes measured solar radiationequal to or in excess of a particular threshold, for example 75 percentof ASHRAE calculated clear sky solar radiation. Further, the thresholdutilized for implementing a reflectance override may be related to thethreshold utilized for determining a sky condition (clear, cloudy,bright overcast, partly sunny, and the like). For example, in anembodiment, the threshold utilized for implementing a reflectanceoverride may be 5% greater than the threshold for determining a clearsky condition. Additionally, when radiometers and photometers areemployed, CCS 110 may be configured to implement a reflectance overrideonly when ASC 100 is operating under a particular mode or modes (clearsky, partly clear sky, and so forth). CCS 110 may thus assess datareceived from one or more photometers in order to see if the ambientlighting level is above a particular threshold. Moreover, in certainexemplary embodiments, CCS 110 may be overridden by a bright overcastsky mode calculation wherein one or more window coverings are moved to apredetermined position, for example 50% of fully open.

With reference now to FIGS. 10A to 10D, in an exemplary embodiment, areflectance program is configured to determine if reflected light fallson a particular location on a building. A three-dimensional computermodel of the building is constructed. As depicted in FIG. 10A, a virtualcamera is placed at the location on the building model where reflectanceis to be assessed. A three-dimensional computer model of surroundingobjects (other buildings, bodies of water, and the like) is constructed.With this information, the virtual camera constructs a 180 degreehemispherical projection of all objects visible in the direction thecamera is facing, as depicted in FIG. 10B. The position of the sun isplotted in the hemispherical projection. Depending on the position ofthe sun and the properties of the objects visible to the camera (e.g.,reflective, non-reflective, and the like), the virtual camera locationmay be in a direct sunlight condition, shaded condition, a reflectancecondition, and the like. For example, if the position of the sun iswithin the boundary of another building, and the building is notreflective, the building will cast a shadow onto the virtual cameralocation, resulting in a shaded condition.

With reference now to FIG. 10C, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment, one or more reflecting surfaces are plotted in thehemispherical projection. Information about reflecting surfaces may bestored in a reflector table. For example, a reflector table may containinformation characterizing the dimensions of the reflecting surface, thelocation of a reflecting surface, the azimuth of a reflecting surface,the altitude of a reflecting surface, and/or the like. Information fromthe reflector table may be utilized to plot one or more reflectingsurfaces in the hemispherical projection. Moreover, for a defined sunposition in the sky (azimuth and altitude), the sun may be reflectedonto the virtual camera location by one or more of the reflectingsurfaces. The reflected sun (and associated sunlight) has a position(azimuth and altitude) different from the actual sun location in thesky. The reflected sun is plotted on the hemispherical projection.

At this point, the reflected sun may fall within the bounds of at leastone reflecting surface. If this occurs, the reflected sunlight will fallon the virtual camera, as illustrated in FIG. 10C. Alternately, thereflected sun may fall outside the bounds of any reflecting surface. Inthis event, no reflected sunlight falls on the virtual camera, asillustrated in FIG. 10D.

Moreover, as illustrated by FIG. 10E, a reflecting surface may itself beshaded. A reflectance program may test the location of the reflected sunto determine if the reflected sun is in the shaded or sunlit portion ofa reflecting surface. If the reflected sun is on the sunlit part of thereflecting surface, the reflected sunlight will fall on the virtualcamera. If the reflected sun is on the shaded part of the reflectingsurface, no reflected sunlight will fall on the virtual camera.Moreover, a reflectance program may be configured to account for andproperly model “self-shading”, wherein a portion of a building casts ashadow onto another portion of the building, and “self-reflectance”,wherein a portion of a building reflects light onto another portion ofthe building. In this manner, a reflectance algorithm may model, plot,determine, and/or otherwise calculate the presence and/or absence ofspecular reflections and/or diffuse reflections at any desired location.Moreover, reflectance information for complex building shapes (e.g.,cruciform buildings, pinwheel-shaped buildings, irregular buildings,and/or the like) may thus be modeled, and one or more window coverings255 may be moved accordingly.

In various embodiments, CCS 110 may occasionally calculate conflictingmovement information for a motor zone (for example, via use one or moreof algorithm 600, algorithm 700, algorithm 800, algorithm 900, and/orthe like). For example, a first portion of a motor zone may be in ashadowed condition, resulting in CCS 110 calculating a need to move atleast one window covering toward a fully open position in accordancewith algorithm 800. At the same time, a second portion of a motor zonemay be in a reflectance condition—resulting in CCS 110 calculating aneed to move at least one window covering toward a fully closed positionin accordance with algorithm 900. In order to maintain brightnesscomfort, CCS 110 may be configured to allow the results of algorithm 900to take priority over the results of algorithm 800. Stated another way,CCS 110 may be configured to give reflectance priority over shadow.

CCS 110 may be configured to execute one or more algorithms, includingbut not limited to algorithms 600, 700, 800, and/or 900, on a continuousand/or real-time basis, on a scheduled basis (every ten seconds, everyminute, every ten minutes, every hour, and the like), on an interruptbasis (responsive to information received from one or more sensors,responsive to input received from a user, responsive to a remotecommand, and the like), and/or any combination of the above. Moreover,CCS 110 may be configured to execute an algorithm, such as algorithm600, independently. CCS 110 may also be configured to execute analgorithm, such as algorithm 600, simultaneously with one or moreadditional algorithms, such as algorithm 700, algorithm 800, algorithm900, and the like. Further, CCS 110 may be configured to turn off and/orotherwise disable use of one or more algorithms, such as algorithm 800,as desired, for example when conditions are overcast, cloudy, and thelike. Moreover, CCS 110 may be configured to implement and/or executeany suitable number of algorithms at any suitable times in order toachieve a desired effect on an enclosed space.

As mentioned herein, ASC 100 may be configured to communicate with aBuilding Management System (BMS), a lighting system and/or a HVAC systemto facilitate optimum interior lighting and climate control. Moreover,ASC 100 may communicate with a BMS for any suitable reason, for example,responsive to overheating of a zone, responsive to safetyconsiderations, responsive to instructions from a system, operator,and/or the like. For example, ASC 100 may be used to determine the solarload on a structure and communicate this information to the BMS. TheBMS, in turn, may use this information to proactively and/or reactivelyset the interior temperatures and/or light levels throughout thestructure to avoid having to expend excessive energy required tomitigate already uncomfortable levels, and to avoid a lag time inresponse to temperature changes on a building. For example, in typicalsystems, a BMS responds to the heat load on a building once that heatload has been registered. Because changing interior environment of abuilding takes significant energy, time and resources, there is asubstantial lag in response time by a BMS to that heat load gain. Incontrast, the proactive and reactive algorithms and systems of ASC 100are configured to actively communicate to BMS regarding changes inbrightness, solar angle, heat, and the like, such that BMS canproactively adjust the interior environment before any uncomfortableheat load/etc, on a building is actually registered.

Furthermore, ASC 100 may be given the priority to optimize the windowcovering settings based on energy management and personal comfortcriteria after which the lighting system and HVAC system may be used tosupplement the existing condition where the available natural daylightcondition may be inadequate to meet the comfort requirements.Communication with a lighting system may be imperative to help minimizethe required photo sensor resources where possible and to help minimizesituations where closed loop sensors for both the shading and lightingcontrol algorithms may be affected by each other. For example, based oninformation from one or more brightness sensors, ASC 100 may move atleast one window covering into a first position. After ASC 100 has moveda window covering, a lighting system may then be activated and selectappropriate dimming for the room. However, oftentimes the lightingsystem may overcompensate an existing bright window wall where thelighting system may lower the dimming setting too far and thus create a“cave effect” whereby the illuminance ratio from the window wall to thesurrounding wall and task surfaces may be too great for comfort. Properphoto sensor instrumentation for illuminance ratio control may beconfigured to help establish the correct setting for the shades as wellas for the lights even though it may cost more energy to accomplish thiscomfort setting. In addition, the lighting sensor may also provide theshading system with occupancy information which may be utilized inmulti-use spaces to help accommodate different modes of operation andfunctionality. For instance, an unoccupied conference room may go intoan energy conservation mode with the window coverings being deployed allthe way up or down in conjunction with the lights and HVAC to minimizesolar heat gain or maximize heat retention. Furthermore, the windowcoverings may otherwise enter into a comfort control mode when the spaceis occupied unless overridden for presentation purposes.

ASC 100 may also be configured to be customizable and/or fine-tuned tomeet the needs of a structure and/or its inhabitants. For example, thedifferent operating zones may be defined by the size, geometry and solarorientation of the window openings. ASC 100 control may be configured tobe responsive to specific window types by zone and/or to individualoccupants. ASC 100 may also be configured to give a structure a uniforminterior/exterior appearance instead of a “snaggletooth” look that isassociated with irregular positioning of window attachments.

ASC 100 may also be configured to receive and/or report any fine-tuningrequest and/or change. Thus, a remote controller and/or local controllermay better assist and or fine-tune any feature of ASC 100. ASC 100 mayalso be configured with one or more global parameters for optimizingcontrol and use of the system. Such global parameters may include, forexample, the structure location, latitude, longitude, local median,window dimensions, window angles, date, sunrise and sunset schedules,one or more communication ports, clear sky factors, clear sky errorrates, overcast sky error rates, solar heat gain limits for one or morewindow covering positions, positioning timers, the local time, the timethat the shade control system will wait before adjusting the shades fromcloudy to clear sky conditions (or vise versa) and/or any otheruser-defined global parameter.

ASC 100 may also be configured to operate, for example, in a specificmode for sunrise and/or sunset because of the low heat levels, but highsun spot, brightness, reflectance and veiling glare associated withthese sun times. For example, in one embodiment, ASC 100 may beconfigured with a solar override during the sunrise that brings windowcoverings 255 down in the east side of the structure and move them up asthe sun moves to the zenith. Conversely, during sunset, ASC 100 may beconfigured to move window coverings 255 down on the west side of thestructure to correspond to the changing solar angle during this timeperiod. In another embodiment, ASC 100 may be configured with areflectance override during the sunrise that brings window coverings 255down in the west side of the structure due at least in part to lightreflected onto the west side of the structure, for example lightreflected off an adjacent building with a reflective exterior. Moreover,when trying to preserve a view under unobtrusive lighting conditions, aSunrise Offset Override or a Sunset Offset Override may lock in theshade position and prevent the ASC from reacting to solar conditions fora preset length of time after sunrise or a preset length of time beforesunset.

Moreover, ASC 100 may be configured with a particular subset ofcomponents, functionality and/or features, for example to obtain adesired price point for a particular version of ASC 100. For example,due to memory constraints or other limitations, ASC 100 may beconfigured to utilize the average solar position of each week of a solaryear, rather than the average solar position of each day of a solaryear. Stated another way, ASC 100 may be configured to determine changesto the solar curve on a weekly basis, rather than on a daily basis.Moreover, ASC 100 may be configured to support a limited number of motorzones, radiometers and/or photometers, proactive and/or reactivealgorithms, data logging, and/or the like, as appropriate, in order toobtain a particular system complexity level, price point, or otherdesired configuration and/or attribute. Further, ASC 100 may beconfigured to support an increased number of a particular feature (forexample, motor zones), in exchange for support of a correspondingdecreased number of another feature (for example, solar days per year).In particular, an ASC 100 having a limited feature set is desirable foruse in small-scale deployments, retrofits, and/or the like.Additionally, an ASC 100 having a limited feature set is desirable toachieve improved energy conservation, daylighting, brightness control,and/or the like, for a particular building. Moreover, ASC 100 may beconfigured as a stand-alone unit having internal processingfunctionality, such that ASC 100 may operate without requiringcomputational resources of a PC or other general purpose computer andassociated software.

For example, in an exemplary embodiment, ASC 100 comprises aprogrammable microcontroller configured to support 12 motor zones. Theprogrammable microcontroller is further configured to receive input from2 solar radiometers. Moreover, in order to provide scalability, multipleinstances of an ASC 100 may be operatively linked (i.e. “ganged”)together to support additional zones. For example, four ASCs 100 may beganged together to support 48 zones. Additionally, ASC 100 is configuredwith an IP interface in order to provide networking and communicationsfunctionality. Moreover, ASC 100 may be configured with a localcommunication interface, for example an RS-232 interface, to facilitateinteroperation with and/or control of or by third-party systems. ASC 100may also be configured with one or more of a graphical user interface,buttons, switches, indicators, lights, and the like, in order tofacilitate interaction with and/or control by a system user.

Further, in this exemplary embodiment, ASC 100 may be configured with abasic event scheduler, for example a scheduler capable of supportingweekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and/or bi-monthly events. ASC 100 may alsobe configured with a time-limited data log, for example a log containinginformation regarding manual and/or automatic shade moves, the solarcondition for one or more days, system troubleshooting information,and/or the like, for a limited period of time (e.g., 30 days, or otherlimited period selected based on cost considerations, informationstorage space considerations, processing power considerations, and/orthe like).

Moreover, in this exemplary embodiment, the programmable microcontrollerof ASC 100 may be configured to utilize a limited data set in order tocalculate one or more movements for a window shade. For example, ASC 100may be configured to utilize one or more of ASHRAE algorithms, windowgeometry, window size, window tilt angle, height of the window head andsill off the floor, motor zone information, solar orientation, overhanginformation, window glazing specifications (i.e., shading coefficient,visible light transmission, and the like). ASC 100 may then calculatesolar angles and/or solar intensity (i.e., in BTUs or watts per squaremeter) for each motor zone and/or solar penetration for each motor zone.Based on a measured and/or calculated sky condition, one or more windowshades may then be moved to an appropriate position. ASC 100 may furtherutilize both shade movements resulting from real-time calculations (forexample, calculations based on sensor readings) as well as scheduledshade movements.

As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the presentinvention may be embodied as a customization of an existing system, anadd-on product, upgraded software, a stand-alone system, a distributedsystem, a method, a data processing system, a device for dataprocessing, and/or a computer program product. Accordingly, the presentinvention may take the form of an entirely software embodiment, anentirely hardware embodiment, or an embodiment combining aspects of bothsoftware and hardware. Furthermore, the present invention may take theform of a computer program product on a computer-readable storage mediumhaving computer-readable program code means embodied in the storagemedium. Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized,including hard disks, CD-ROM, optical storage devices, magnetic storagedevices, and/or the like.

These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general purposecomputer, special purpose computer, or other programmable dataprocessing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructionsthat execute on the computer or other programmable data processingapparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in theflowchart block or blocks. These computer program instructions may alsobe stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer orother programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including instruction meanswhich implement the function specified in the flowchart block or blocks.The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer orother programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series ofoperational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in theflowchart block or blocks.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed herein with regard to specific embodiments. However, thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essentialfeatures or elements of any or all the claims or the invention. As usedherein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. Further, no element described herein is required for thepractice of the invention unless expressly described as “essential” or“critical,” When “at least one of A, B, or C” is used in the claims, thephrase is intended to mean any of the following: (1) at least one of A;(2) at least one of B; (3) at least one of C; (4) at least one of A andat one of A and at least one of B; (5) at least one of B and at leastone of C; (6) at least one of A and at least one of C; or (7) at leastone of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.

1. A method, comprising: receiving, at an automated shade controlsystem, shadow information indicating the presence of calculated shadowon a window, wherein a window covering is associated with the window;and activating, by the automated shade control system and responsive tothe presence of the calculated shadow on the window, a motor associatedwith the window covering to position the window covering in a differentposition from the position specified by a standard management routine.2. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining the duration ofthe calculated shadow on the window, wherein activating the motor isresponsive to the duration exceeding a default shadow duration.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising determining the duration of thecalculated shadow on the window, wherein, responsive to the duration notexceeding a default shadow duration, the activating the motor is notperformed.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the motor is activatedresponsive to the automated shade control system determining theexistence of a clear sky condition.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein,responsive to the automated shade control system determining theexistence of an overcast sky condition, the activating the motor is notperformed.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, bythe automated shade control system, brightness information from aphotometer associated with the window; and activating the motor toadjust the window covering at least partially toward a fully closedposition responsive to the brightness information exceeding a thresholdvalue.
 7. A method, comprising: receiving, at an automated shade controlsystem, reflectance information indicating the presence of calculatedreflected light on a window, wherein a window covering is associatedwith the window; and activating, by the automated shade control systemand responsive to the presence of calculated reflected light on thewindow, a motor associated with the window covering to position thewindow covering in a different position from the position specified by astandard management routine.
 8. The method of claim 7, furthercomprising determining the duration of the calculated reflected light onthe window, wherein activating the motor is responsive to the durationexceeding a default reflectance duration.
 9. The method of claim 7,further comprising determining the duration of the calculated reflectedlight on the window, wherein, responsive to the duration not exceeding adefault reflectance duration, the activating the motor is not performed.10. The method of claim 7, wherein the motor is activated responsive tothe automated shade control system determining the existence of a clearsky condition.
 11. The method of claim 7, wherein, responsive to theautomated shade control system determining the existence of an overcastsky condition, the activating the motor is not performed.
 12. A method,comprising: calculating, by an automated shade control system and usinga shadow model, the presence of calculated shadow at a location ofinterest, wherein the shadow model represents at least a portion of abuilding and at least a portion of the surroundings of the building; andactivating, by the automated shade control system, a motor to adjust awindow covering responsive to the calculated shadow at the location ofinterest.
 13. A method, comprising: calculating, by an automated shadecontrol system and using a reflectance model, the presence of calculatedreflected light at a location of interest, wherein the reflectance modelrepresents at least a portion of a reflective surface; and activating,by the automated shade control system, a motor to adjust a windowcovering responsive to the calculated reflected light at the location ofinterest.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein, responsive to theduration of the calculated reflected light at the location of interestnot exceeding a default reflectance duration, the activating the motoris not performed.
 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising using,by the automated shade control system, movement history information forthe window covering to prevent the window covering from being moved fora limited period of time after the previous movement of the windowcovering.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the activating the motoris performed responsive to a measured solar radiation value exceeding60% of an ASHRAE theoretical clear sky solar radiation value.
 17. Amethod, comprising: calculating, by an automated shade control systemand using a reflectance model, the presence of calculated reflectedlight at a location of interest, wherein the reflectance modelrepresents at least a portion of a building and at least a portion ofthe surroundings of a building; and communicating, by the automatedshade control system and to a motor, a first movement request configuredto adjust a window covering responsive to the calculated reflected lightat the location of interest.
 18. The method of claim 17, furthercomprising: receiving, at the automated shade control system, shadowinformation indicating the presence of calculated shadow at the locationof interest; and communicating, by the automated shade control systemand to the motor, a second movement request configured to adjust thewindow covering at least partially toward a fully closed positionresponsive to the reflectance information indicating the presence ofcalculated reflected light at the location of interest at the same timethat the shadow information indicates the presence of calculated shadowat the location of interest.
 19. An automated shade control system,comprising: a controller configured with a reflectance program, thecontroller configured to control, using reflectance information, a motorassociated with a window.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein thereflectance information is obtained by using a reflectance model tocalculate the presence of calculated reflected light on the window.